Wallabies captain on the ‘pressure’ of a series-defining Lions Test

Harry Wilson understands that while the Wallabies are under immense pressure this week, the British & Irish Lions also have it all to play for, with the visitors one win away from securing the series title at the MCG.

After a perfect 5-0 run throughout their tour matches in Australia, the Lions turned their focus to Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies ahead of the first Test in Brisbane. Henry Pollock had spoken about how the squad is looking to become the greatest Lions side of all time with a 3-0 sweep.

Sione Tuipulotu and Tom Curry helped set the tone in the series opener with first-half tries, with the favourites eventually holding on for a 27-19 win. That result leaves the Lions 80 minutes away from potentially wrapping up the series, while the Wallabies are in survival mode.

Stonehouse on selection and season expectations

Stonehouse on selection and season expectations

Wilson said that the Australians “probably didn’t play our sort of footy” at Suncorp Stadium, but an opportunity to make amends awaits. With the chance to send the series to a decider next week in Sydney, the captain explained what makes this second Test especially exciting.

“There’s pressure on both teams,” Wilson told reporters at the MCG.

“They want to wrap up the series and we want to keep the series alive so there’s no doubting there’s a lot on the line for both teams and that’s something that really excites you playing professional sport.

“There’s a lot of pressure on and it’s what you love about it.”

Wilson captains a Wallabies side that boasts a fairly different forward pack in the run-on side, with coach Joe Schmidt making three changes. Rob Valetini returns at blindside flanker, while Will Skelton has been named at lock and David Porecki at hooker.

Valetini’s return has been the biggest story out of the Wallabies’ team naming, with the two-time John Eales Medallist back in the team for the first time in 2025. The 26-year-old played in every Wallabies Test last year, starting them at either blindside or No. 8.

Langi Gleeson is another significant inclusion in the Wallabies’ 23, set to provide impact off the bench. Gleeson had started in the absence of Valetini when Australia played Fiji earlier this month, but the 24-year-old missed the Lions Series opener.

“Bobby loves playing for Australia,” Wilson said when asked about Valetini.

“He’s missed two games this year, he hasn’t missed many over the last five or six years so he’s really excited… his body’s looking good and I know he loves playing here in Melbourne so he’ll be fired up.

“We want to back our skills and we just want to go out there and start fast,” he added.

“Six-two bench means another [forward] gets to go off the field so more reason to go out there, start fast, throw your body around knowing there’s some quality bench players coming on to finish.”