Australia and British & Irish Lions Second Test Predictions – CopyBet
The British & Irish Lions emerged with a victory in the first Test but Australia made it much closer than looked likely for large chunks of the contest.
The Lions tour moves on to the MCG in Melbourne for the middle Test and Andy Farrell's tourists will be intent on wrapping up the series win.
Joe Schmidt's Wallabies were on the rack at times last week and may come unstuck again here, though not without a scrap as they bring in some welcome reinforcements.
Australia vs British & Irish Lions – Second Test
The Lions' early domination in Brisbane looked like it might pave the way for a wide-margin success but in the end it was just eight points.
Huw Jones' disallowed try in the first half was perhaps pivotal, as the touring side would have stretched into a three-score lead had it counted.
The Wallabies deserved immense credit for fighting back as second-half tries from Carlo Tizzano and Tate McDermott made things very interesting.
Joe Schmidt welcomes back two of his biggest stars, firepower forward duo Will Skelton and Rob Valetini, in a bid to level the series in Melbourne.
This is likely to get tense once more, but the Lions are well-equipped and well drilled by the master tactician Farrell. The Lions can seal the series win in front of 100,000 spectators but it likely won't be a landslide.
Australia vs British & Irish Lions – Second Test
Scotland centres Sione Tuipulotu and Jones anchored midfield for the Lions last weekend. The former touched down early and Jones was unfortunate not to join him in a strong first-half showing from the tourists.
A tight hamstring means that Tuipulotu misses out now, with Bundee Aki handed the jersey in his stead.
Now 35, Aki isn't as dynamic as he once was, but he remains a force. His presence should facilitate Jones getting some extra attacking impetus.
Jones has looked sharp in attack and has three tries to his name already, two against the Waratahs and one against the Reds. He starts in the second Test after Garry Ringrose was forced to step down with a concussion worry and can make the most of it.
Australia vs British & Irish Lions – Second Test
The teams combined for 46 points in the first Test. The Lions, for sure, will feel they left a few behind on the field.
That first Test will have increased the sharpness of the Lions party and boss Farrell has made four changes as he goes all out for the series win.
The Wallabies have Valetini and Skelton back in harness, bringing physicality and leadership with Schmidt flagging his sides' desire not to be 'submissive' to the Lions. It has the potential to be a humdinger and may exceed last weekend's scoring tally.