THE PROTAGONIST OF a roller-coaster second half of the Lions’ first Test win over Australia, Kurtley Beale has been given a starting berth for Saturday’s second Test.
Beale’s inclusion is one of two enforced back-line changes with Berrick Barnes sidelined and Digby Ioane replaced by Joe Tomane on the left wing.
Centre, Christian Leali’ifano returns to the centre, despite lasting just 50 seconds in Brisbane. The Brumbies second five-eighth suffered a suspected concussion in his first international collision with opposite number Jonathan Davies.
The Australian union insist their Victoria-raised star completed all cognitive testing with flying colours and, as was the case last week, will take up kicking duties allowing Beale and O’Connor concentrate on other factors of the game.
The build-up will naturally centre around backs Israel Folau, who managed two impressive debut tries last week, but is will be Ben Alexander who leads the Wallabies out in Melbourne to mark his 50th cap.
Australia v Lions: Kurtley Beale; Israel Folau, Adam Ashley-Cooper, Christian Leali’ifano, Joe Tomane; James O’Connor, Will Genia: Benn Robinson, Stephen Moore, Ben Alexander, Kane Douglas, James Horwill (capt.) Ben Mowen, Michael Hooper, Wycliffe Palu.Replacements: Saia Fainga’a, James Slipper, Sekope Kepu, Rob Simmons, Liam Gill, Nick Phipps, Rob Horne, Jesse Mogg.
