Lions’ Second Test Line-up Features Aki, Porter, and Chessum

Andy Farrell, head coach of the Lions, has announced his starting XV for the second Test against the Wallabies on July 8, 2023, at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This match is critical as the Lions aim to clinch the series, with kick-off scheduled for 11:00 AM Irish time.

In a notable change to the line-up, Bundee Aki, Andrew Porter, and Ollie Chessum have been brought into the starting team. Despite the absence of Joe McCarthy due to a foot injury, Farrell has maintained a strong Irish presence, featuring nine Irish players in the starting line-up.

Porter will take on the role of loosehead prop, replacing Ellis Genge, who moves to the bench. This adjustment results in an all-Irish front row, consisting of Porter, Dan Sheehan, and Tadhg Furlong. Chessum takes McCarthy’s place in the second row, while Maro Itoje continues as captain, leading a back row that remains unchanged with Tadhg Beirne, Tom Curry, and Jack Conan.

The halfback pairing will feature Jamison Gibson-Park and Finn Russell, with Aki stepping in at inside centre for Sione Tuipulotu, who has been omitted from the matchday 23. Huw Jones retains his position at outside centre, while the back three remains consistent with James Lowe, Tommy Freeman, and Hugo Keenan.

The bench will see some fresh faces, including James Ryan from Ireland, Jac Morgan from Wales, England’s Owen Farrell, and Blair Kinghorn from Scotland. This depth in the squad is expected to provide strong support as the Lions look to secure a series victory.

The full starting line-up for the Lions is as follows:
1. Andrew Porter
2. Dan Sheehan
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje (captain)
5. Ollie Chessum
6. Tadhg Beirne
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan
9. Jamison Gibson-Park
10. Finn Russell
11. James Lowe
12. Bundee Aki
13. Huw Jones
14. Tommy Freeman
15. Hugo Keenan

The bench consists of:
16. Rónan Kelleher
17. Ellis Genge
18. Will Stuart
19. James Ryan
20. Jac Morgan
21. Alex Mitchell
22. Owen Farrell
23. Blair Kinghorn

As the Lions prepare to take on the Wallabies, the focus is on building on their previous performance and making necessary adjustments to secure a favorable outcome in this crucial encounter.