Overview

• Andy Farrell has promoted Bundee Aki, Ollie Chessum and Andrew Porter into the starting XV, replacing Sione Tuipulotu, Joe McCarthy and Ellis Genge.
• Owen Farrell rejoins the matchday 23 on the bench after captaining the midweek fixture to provide cover at fly-half and inside centre.
• Garry Ringrose self-reported concussion symptoms minutes before team selection, leading to Huw Jones’s late reinstatement at outside centre.
• Foot and hamstring injuries to McCarthy and Tuipulotu have prompted reshuffles across forward and midfield ranks, highlighting the tour’s rigorous injury management.
• A win at the Melbourne Cricket Ground would clinch the series for the Lions and extend their unbeaten tour streak to eight matches.