British & Irish Lions squad announcement for 2nd Test: Garry Ringrose withdraws from XV as Owen Farrell named on bench against Australia in Melbourne
Updated 24/07/2025 at 09:48 GMT+1
Garry Ringrose was selected for the second British & Irish Lions Test against Australia but withdrew after feeling the effects of a concussion. In for the Lions come Bundee Aki and Ollie Chessum, while Owen Farrell and Jac Morgan feature on the bench for the huge clash at the MCG in Melbourne on Saturday.
'It's going to be a hell of a test' - Lions coach Farrell eyes series clincher at the MCG
Video credit: SNTV
Garry Ringrose was selected for the second British & Irish Lions Test against Australia in Melbourne, only to remove himself from the XV after feeling the effects of a concussion.
Instead, Bundee Aki will feature alongside Huw Jones in the centres, with Owen Farrell brought onto the bench for his possible first Test appearance of this year's Tour.
Ollie Chessum replaces Joe McCarthy in the second row, while it's all change on the bench as Farrell is joined by Jac Morgan, James Ryan and Blair Kinghorn.
Ellis Genge also features among the bench options as Andrew Porter replaces him in the starting XV.
Speaking after his team was announced, head coach Andy Farrell said: "Garry was actually selected and unfortunately in training today he's had to pull out.
"It's head-related again. It was literally as I was walking off the field. He came to me and, once it's mentioned, that's that.
"So there was no incident. He was feeling good, well in advance of Tuesday, and fit and ready to play [against the First Nations and Pasifika XV].
- Why Wallabies will be 'totally different animal' in second Lions Test
- Potter responds to 'losing mentality' jibe ahead of second Lions Test
"No incident through the game at all, nothing yesterday and nothing this morning at all, but with these type of things, players are getting very good at telling the truth of how they feel, so it was a no-brainer to make the change straight away.
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2025/08/01/image-da3f6e15-30da-4c2d-902f-e5508b39d890-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
Farrell wary of 'desperate' Australia in second Test - 'We know what's coming'
Video credit: TNT Sports
On Ringrose, who suffered his first concussion against the ACT Brumbies on July 9, Farrell added: "It's very easy to keep it to yourself and lie and not be honest and open.
"It was very big of him and the right thing to do, 100% - for the team as well, not just for Garry."
Of the task ahead of the Lions on Saturday at a thronging MCG, Farrell declared his belief that his team will have to be "a lot better" against a "desperate" Wallabies.
He said: "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.
"Everyone saw the quality they have in Brisbane and we know we will have to be a lot better than we were last week.
"The opportunity to play in front of 100,000 supporters at the MCG, one of the world’s most iconic stadiums, is what makes Lions Tours unique and special.
"And we know our Lions supporters will get behind the team on Saturday and create a fantastic atmosphere."
Lions 23 to face Australia in second Test
15. Hugo Keenan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #881
14. Tommy Freeman (Northampton Saints/England) #858
13. Huw Jones (Glasgow Warriors/Scotland) #878
12. Bundee Aki (Connacht Rugby/Ireland) #837
11. James Lowe (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #870
10. Finn Russell (Bath Rugby/Scotland) #835
9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #879
1. Andrew Porter (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #876
2. Dan Sheehan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #873
3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #818
4. Maro Itoje (Saracens/England) (C) #825
5. Ollie Chessum (Leicester Tigers/England) #875
6. Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby/Ireland) #838
7. Tom Curry (Sale Sharks/England) #853
8. Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #839
Replacements:
16. Ronan Kelleher (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #864
17. Ellis Genge (Bristol Bears/England) #859
18. Will Stuart (Bath Rugby/England) #877
19. James Ryan (Leinster Rugby/Ireland) #880
20. Jac Morgan (Ospreys/Wales) #861
21. Alex Mitchell (Northampton Saints/England) #860
22. Owen Farrell (Saracens/England) #780
23. Blair Kinghorn (Toulouse/Scotland) #882
Schmidt names Australia side
Meanwhile, Australia have named their 23 for the Melbourne Test, with - as expected - Will Skelton and Rob Valetini returning to add considerable ballast to the pack.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said: "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."
"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."
Australia team
1. James Slipper (145 Tests) – #843; Bond Pirates
2. David Porecki (20 Tests) - #952; Seaforth Raiders
3. Allan Alaalatoa (82 Tests) – #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Nick Frost (27 Tests) – #953; Hornsby Lions
5. Will Skelton (32 Tests) - #883; The Hills Sports High School
6. Rob Valetini (52 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (27 Tests) – #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (24 Tests) – #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Jake Gordon (30 Tests) - #925; Canterbury Juniors
10. Tom Lynagh (4 Tests) - #977; University of Queensland
11. Harry Potter (4 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Len Ikitau (41 Tests) – #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (6 Tests) – #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (9 Tests) – #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (39 Tests) – #939; Clovelly Eagles
Replacements:
16. Billy Pollard (8 Tests) – #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (38 Tests) – #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Tom Robertson (32 Tests) – #898; Dubbo Junior Rugby Club
19. Jeremy Williams (12 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
20. Langi Gleeson (15 Tests) - #960; Harbord Harlequins
21. Carlo Tizzano (7 Tests) – #982; University of Western Australia
22. Tate McDermott (43 Tests) – #936; Flinders Rugby Club
23. Ben Donaldson (18 Tests) – #962; Clovelly Eagles
Watch and stream the Gallagher PREM, Autumn Nations Series and Premiership Women's Rugby live on TNT Sports and discovery+
Related Topics
Thoughts?
Advertisement
Advertisement