Wallabies vow to put bodies on line in crunch second Lions Test

Australia need victory at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday to keep the three-Test series alive after losing the opener in Brisbane 27-19

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Skipper Harry Wilson vowed Friday the Wallabies will “throw their bodies around” to physically dominate the British and Irish Lions with everything on the line in the crunch second Test.

Australia need victory at the cavernous Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday to keep the three-Test series alive after losing the opener in Brisbane 27-19.

They were outgunned in that game around the collision areas but have muscled up with hardworking flanker Rob Valetini and giant lock Will Skelton both back from injuries to beef up the pack.

Hooker Dave Porecki, who suffered a concussion in a warm-up Test against Fiji, also returns, with his lineout throwing skills sorely missed in Brisbane.

Coach Joe Schmidt has also opted for a 6-2 bench split, rather than their usual 5-3, in anticipation of a bruising and wet contest, with six forwards among the replacements.

"We want to go out there and impose ourselves physically," said Wilson.

"We want to back our skills, start fast and with a 6-2 bench it means another person gets to go off the field.

"So more reason start fast, throw your body around knowing there's some quality bench players coming to finish."