Lions Plan Second Test Changes Ahead Australia Clash

The British and Irish Lions prepare for the second Test against Australia with a 1-0 lead in the series, but coach Andy Farrell faces crucial selection decisions amid injury doubts. Joe McCarthy, a key player in the first Test, has not trained all week and is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, with Ollie Chessum poised to replace him. Mack Hansen is also doubtful due to a foot injury, limiting bench options. Despite a narrow 24-19 win over the First Nations & Pasifika XV, Farrell's side showed a stop-start performance that did not prompt major changes to the Test team, with Owen Farrell impressing and pushing for a bench spot. The return of Garry Ringrose adds fresh options in the backline, potentially alongside Bundee Aki, while Blair Kinghorn is expected to cover the back three but has not displaced James Lowe. The scale and significance of the match at the MCG, with 85,000 fans expected, has been emphasized by Farrell as the biggest game of their lives, highlighting the pressure and importance of securing the series victory.