Lions/Australia: Play set to start

Play is about to start in Melbourne in the crucial second Test match between Australia and the Lions.

The Lions were forced to make a late change among their replacements for the match at Colonial Stadium.

Utility back Austin Healey relinquished his place in the 22 because of a thigh injury suffered during last Tuesday’s injury-time victory over Super 12 champions ACT Brumbies.

His place was taken by Wales fly-half Neil Jenkins, international rugby’s all-time record points scorer, but the Lions were otherwise unaffected through late withdrawals.

Having beaten the Wallabies 29-13 in Brisbane last Saturday, the tourists were desperate to avoid a series decider at Sydney’s Stadium Australia next weekend.

Flanker Neil Back represented the Lions’ solitary starting XV change, taking over from Martin Corry, while three Australian switches saw full-back Matt Burke, hooker Michael Foley and prop Rod Moore all called up.

With the stadium roof closed, there was a superb pre-match atmosphere.

Travelling Lions fans once again provided colourful and vociferous support, as they scented the kill and their heroes finishing Australia off one game inside the distance.