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Down Under

Breakfast with Lions: Match point in Melbourne

After a win in the first Test, Warren G’s man have the series in their sights but don’t expect the Aussies to go down without a fight.

Sean O'Brien loves Wimbledon time. Credit: INPHO

On the Lions’ menu

HAVING EARNED VICTORY in the opening Test match thanks to a stroke of luck regarding Kurtley Beale's footwear, Round has arrived and the with it comes the chance to wrap up the series early with back-to-back victories.

At his team announcement press conference earlier this week, head coach Warren Gatland has revealed he expected it to be a physical encounter with Australia sure to look upon it as a "do-or-die" game.

The starting XV sees five changes with the big news Tommy Bowe's remarkable recovery from surgery on a broken bone in his right hand. The Ulster man replaces Alex Cuthbert on the right wing while Ben Youngs comes in for Mike Phillips.

Quote from the camp

“Alex [Cuthbert] did well last week, but I’m delighted Tommy’s back.” Sexton said today. “To break a bone in your hand and then to play three weeks later is a pretty phenomenal recovery.
- Jonny Sexton on Tommy Bowe's return

Pic of the Day

An absolute beast of a man... and The Hulk. Credit: David Davies/PA Wire/Press Association Images

You’ve got to see this

Lions legend Gavin Hastings and former Wallaby scrumhalf George Gregan preview the Second Test

YouTube credit: FoxSportsAu

Tweet of the day

Injured Jamie Roberts got to jam with the Manic Street Preachers after all.


What the Aussies say

“It’s going to be a battle royale, I’ve got no doubt about that at all. I was impressed with the physicality of the entire [first Test] game, but in particular at the tackle and breakdown – that battle is going to be fierce. I think the Wallabies got a slight nod in that department, so I’ve no doubt the British and Irish Lions will be absolutely gunning to win the physical battle tomorrow.” - Former Aussies captain Stirling Mortlock

BIL watch

Chilling with the laydeez.

Credit: INPHO/Billy Stickland

*TheScore.ie will be liveblogging all the Lions v Australia Second Test action from 10am on Saturday.

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Mortlock predicts breakdown ‘battle royale’ as Wallabies cling to 2nd Test hope