Australia react to Owen Farrell return as Lions star named in 23

Australia head coach Joe Schmidt revealed he always thought Owen Farrell would make the Lions 23 for Saturday's second Test in Melbourne. Farrell was a headline-grabbing replacement for Elliot Daly early in the tour and has forced his way onto the bench after playing 80 minutes in the 24-19 win over a First Nations & Pasifika XV on Tuesday.

That was the first time the former England captain, who will win his seventh Lions cap if he comes on, had gone the distance since 28 April after a concussion and Schmidt reckons Farrell was always going to be in the mix after that. Schmidt said: "He looked like he was directing a lot of the traffic on Tuesday. I was an observer like everyone else, but he certainly appeared to be demonstrating those leadership skills, that ability to help other players see the game and adapt to what's required.

"His ability to bring experience off the bench and a cool head, plus he's probably quite versatile in where you can put him. As far as 10 or 12 is concerned he's pretty comfortable in either of those positions. Owen coming in there is probably not a massive surprise."

The Wallabies, beaten 27-19 in the Brisbane opener last weekend, have added some bulk to their side with 140kg former Saracens lock Will Skelton back from a calf injury.

And Brumbies back row Melbourne-born Rob Valetini, another big ball carrier and Australian Test Player of the Year for the last two seasons, also returns in a much more dangerous looking Wallaby side.

Valetini has also had calf issues and Schmidt is not expecting him to last the whole match. The head coach also has hooker David Porecki, once of London Irish and Saracens, back after a bout of concussion for the Wallabies 700th Test match.