Overview

• Joe McCarthy and Sione Tuipulotu were ruled out with foot and hamstring injuries, creating two vacancies in the starting XV
• Bundee Aki replaces Tuipulotu at inside centre alongside Huw Jones, while Ollie Chessum and Andrew Porter strengthen the pack
• Owen Farrell earns a Test recall on the bench for his first Lions appearance since the 2023 World Cup
• Marcus Smith passed his head injury assessment after exiting the midweek match and remains available for selection
• The unbeaten Lions head to the MCG aiming to clinch the series with a second Test victory over Australia