The British and Irish Lions have reshuffled their starting XV ahead of Saturday's crucial second Test against Australia at Melbourne's MCG.
Centre Bundee Aki, lock Ollie Chessum and prop Andrew Porter will all feature from the outset, taking the places of Sione Tuipulotu, Joe McCarthy and Ellis Genge respectively.
Tuipulotu has been ruled out with hamstring tightness whilst McCarthy is sidelined by a foot problem, with neither player making the matchday squad. Genge drops to the replacements bench as Porter takes over at loosehead prop.
The alterations come as the tourists seek to secure a series victory following their opening Test triumph in Brisbane last weekend.
REUTERS
|The British and Irish Lions have reshuffled their starting XV ahead of Saturday's crucial second Test against Australia at Melbourne's MCG
Australia have responded with significant changes of their own, bringing back three key players to bolster their lineup.
Second-row forward Will Skelton returns to the starting XV, with Jeremy Williams moving to the bench.
Rob Valetini has been recalled to the back row, replacing Nick Champion de Crespigny, who misses out on selection entirely.
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PA
|British and Irish Lions star Bundee Aki will come into the side for Saturday's second Test against Australia
Hooker David Porecki completes the trio of returning players, having recovered from concussion to reclaim his starting berth from Matt Faessler.
Australia have maintained their backline from the first Test, with fly-half Tom Lynagh retaining his place despite the defeat.
The hosts have opted for a forward-heavy bench configuration of six forwards and two backs, with back-row forward Langi Gleeson declared fit to return amongst the replacements.
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The Lions' matchday squad features additional modifications beyond the starting line-up.
Welsh flanker Jac Morgan joins the replacements along with lock James Ryan, utility back Owen Farrell and full-back Blair Kinghorn. Ben Earl and Marcus Smith have made way for Morgan and Farrell respectively.
Head coach Andy Farrell disclosed that centre Garry Ringrose had initially been selected to start but withdrew following a recurrence of concussion symptoms.
The back three of full-back Hugo Keenan and wingers Tommy Freeman and James Lowe remains intact from the first Test.
"We have put ourselves in a good position after the first Test, but we know there will be a massive reaction from this Wallaby team," Farrell stated.
Australia's coach Joe Schmidt acknowledged his side's recovery following the physical opening encounter.
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|Owen Farrell will be on the bench for the British and Irish Lions' clash with Australia on Saturday
"The squad has recovered well after a very physical first Test and the week's preparation here in Melbourne has allowed us a bit more time together," Schmidt commented.
"We took some confidence from the second half last week, but we know we'll need to improve further against a Lions team that will bring plenty of fire to the contest on Saturday night."
The clash at the MCG is expected to draw approximately 100,000 spectators, creating what Farrell described as a "fantastic atmosphere" for this pivotal encounter.