Australia vs. British & Irish Lions Tips and Odds – 26/07/2025

• Fixture: Australia (Wallabies) vs British & Irish Lions (2nd Test)
• Date: Saturday, 26 July 2025
• Venue: Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), Melbourne

A Blockbuster at the MCG

Get set for one of the most exciting chapters in rugby’s greatest touring saga, as the legendary British & Irish Lions swarm into the historic MCG for the second Test against Australia! Coming off a breathless series opener, the Wallabies will look to bounce back in front of a roaring home crowd, while the Lions, buoyed by their travelling “Sea of Red” and an unblemished tour record, aim to go 2-0 up and put one hand on the Tom Richards Cup.

The Lions arrive in Melbourne unbeaten, yet fresh from a close call. On Tuesday 22 July, they edged out a spirited First Nations & Pasifika XV 24-19 at Marvel Stadium. The match tested their depth and resilience, exposing some defensive fragility but also underscoring their ability to win tight games on the road. Australia, meanwhile, are still licking their wounds after the Lions seized the Brisbane opener, 27-19. The Wallabies have shown sparks of attacking flair under new coach Joe Schmidt this year, but consistency and discipline remain in question after a gruelling season that included stirring wins (including a sweep of Wales) and bruising losses to southern hemisphere rivals.

Squad news is shaping up to be pivotal for both teams. The Lions have been battling a handful of injuries—scrum-half Tomos Williams was forced off recently, and there are minor concerns over Jamison Gibson-Park and full-back Hugo Keenan, though the latter has been training back at full tilt. The Wallabies have a largely healthy squad but will continue to monitor potential fatigue, given their tough international calendar and the physical challenge the Lions present.

Recent Form & What to Watch

British & Irish Lions:

• Last match: Beat First Nations & Pasifika XV 24-19 on July 22.
• Previous: Opened Test series with 27-19 win over Australia.
• Consistent tour victories, but signs of fatigue and some set-piece wobbles have crept in during midweek matches.

Australia (Wallabies):

• Last Test: Lost 19-27 to Lions in Brisbane.
• Earlier in the year: Narrow loss to New Zealand, a battling victory over Argentina, a sweep of Wales, punctuated with some heavy defeats against top-ranked sides.
• Under coach Schmidt, Australia have become more competitive but are still a work in progress.

Key Players

• British & Irish Lions:
  • Finn Russell (fly-half): The tour’s creative heartbeat—unpredictable and precise.
  • Tomos Williams (scrum-half): Injury concern, but was the catalyst in earlier games.
  • Maro Itoje (lock): The Lions’ engine in the lineout and close quarters.
  • Darcy Graham (wing): Lethal finishing, relentless in pursuit of tries.
• Australia:
  • Carter Gordon (fly-half): The new face of Australian playmaking, looking to shine under the MCG lights.
  • Rob Valetini (back row): Ball-carrying power and defensive glue.
  • Josh Flook (centre): Explosive through the midfield, a genuine tackle-buster.
  • James Slipper (prop): Veteran calm, vital anchor in the scrum.

Prediction

This one promises blockbuster drama. The MCG offers a unique stage—massive, intimidating, and atmospheric. The Lions will look to ride their momentum, but Australia’s hunger and home support might narrow the margin. Expect the Lions to shade it, but only just, with the Wallabies desperate to keep the series alive. It could come down to a single moment of magic or a late penalty.

Betting Markets

Odds subject to change; always check latest markets before betting.

The stakes could not be higher for the Wallabies on home soil, while the British & Irish Lions aim to etch their place in history. Strap in for a Saturday night blockbuster under the lights at the MCG!