The second Test between Australia and the British & Irish Lions takes place this Saturday at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground. The Lions have the opportunity to seal the series with a win, while Australia will be desperate to level things and take the contest to a decider in Sydney next week. Below, we look at the clash from a betting perspective and offer a few suggested plays.
First Test Recap
The Lions claimed the opening Test with a 27–19 win in Brisbane. They made a strong start, dominating the first half and heading into the break with a 17–5 lead after Sione Tuipulotu crossed early. Although Australia rallied in the second half, a well-timed try from Dan Sheehan kept the tourists comfortably in front and they stood firm against a spirited Australian fightback.
British & Irish Lions
The Lions are unbeaten on their 2025 tour, winning all seven of their matches to date. With just two games remaining, they are edging closer to an historic clean sweep—but these final two Tests are their toughest assignments yet.
They come into the second Test off the back of a hard-fought 24–19 win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday. Head coach Andy Farrell has made seven changes to the matchday squad, but the consistency of results so far highlights the depth and versatility within the group.
Starting Lineup
15 Hugo Keenan, 14 Tommy Freeman, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 James Lowe, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park; 1 Andrew Porter, 2 Dan Sheehan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 4 Maro Itoje (c), 5 Ollie Chessum, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 7 Tom Curry, 8 Jack Conan.
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Ellis Genge, 18 Will Stuart, 19 James Ryan, 20 Jac Morgan, 21 Alex Mitchell, 22 Owen Farrell, 23 Blair Kinghorn.
Australia
Australia know they must win this match to keep the series alive. Head coach Joe Schmidt has made only three changes to the side from last weekend, including the return of towering lock Will Skelton. The Wallabies have won just two of their last five Tests—against Fiji and Wales—and will need to raise their level to match the Lions’ intensity.
Starting Lineup
15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Tom Lynagh, 9 Jake Gordon; 1 James Slipper, 2 David Porecki, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 4 Nick Frost, 5 Will Skelton, 6 Rob Valetini, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (c).
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Jeremy Williams, 20 Langi Gleeson 21 Carlo Tizzano, 22 Tate McDermott, 23 Ben Donaldson.
Betting and Verdict
The Lions are favourites going into the match, currently priced at 1.22 for the win, with Australia at 5.00 and the draw at 34.00.
Handicap: Australia [+10.5] at 1.90
Australia will be fired up in front of what is expected to be a 90,000-strong crowd at the MCG. The Lions, meanwhile, are deep into a long tour and showed signs of fatigue in their midweek fixture. While the Lions are still expected to come out on top, the Wallabies could keep it closer than the first Test.
Suggested Bet: Australia [+10.5] at 1.90
Given the significance of the match and what’s at stake, both teams are likely to be tactically cautious, with a strong focus on defence and taking points through penalties when available. Last weekend’s total was 46 points, but this time around a tighter, lower-scoring game is expected as rain is expected.
Suggested Bet: Total Points under 43.5 at 1.95
Click here for all Australia v British and Irish Lions Markets
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
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