Itoje Warns Lions Not to Underestimate “Wounded” Wallabies Ahead of Crucial Second Test
Itoje Warns Lions Not to Underestimate “Wounded” Wallabies Ahead of Crucial Second Test
British and Irish Lions captain Maro Itoje has sounded a loud and clear warning to his teammates ahead of the second Test against Australia at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG): do not underestimate the Wallabies. While the Lions clinched a hard-fought 27–19 victory in the opening match of the series in Brisbane, Itoje insists that Australia is far from beaten and remains a serious threat heading into the decisive second clash.
With over 95,000 fans expected to pack into the MCG, Itoje stressed the importance of composure, discipline, and focus. “We’re not playing a pub team,” he said pointedly, addressing any assumptions that the Lions could ease into the second game. “Australia will be hurt by the first Test loss. They’re at home, under pressure, and will be desperate to bounce back. That’s when teams are at their most dangerous.”
Itoje’s comments come at a time when Australian rugby is under intense scrutiny. The Wallabies have endured a turbulent few years marked by coaching changes, injuries, and inconsistency. However, the first Test showed signs of resurgence, with Australia pushing the Lions all the way despite missing several key players.
Heading into the second Test, the Wallabies are expected to be bolstered by the return of influential lock Will Skelton and powerful flanker Rob Valetini—a development that has not gone unnoticed by Itoje. “We know what kind of impact players like Skelton and Valetini can make,” he noted. “They bring physicality and experience that can change the dynamics of a match. We’re preparing for a battle.”
The significance of this match goes beyond just the result. A win for the Lions would secure the series with one game to spare—something that has proven elusive in recent tours. The last time the Lions toured Australia in 2013, they clinched the series 2–1 after a thrilling decider in Sydney. Itoje and coach Andy Farrell are well aware that Australia will not go down without a fight.
“This is the biggest game of our lives,” Itoje told reporters. “Every player in this squad understands what’s at stake. We’ve put in the work, but we also know Australia will be better. They’ve got pride, history, and their fans behind them. That’s why we need to be even better.”
Itoje’s leadership has been widely praised throughout the tour. His ability to balance aggression on the field with measured, motivational guidance off it has made him one of the standout leaders in world rugby. His message ahead of the second Test is not just about the tactical side of the game but also about the mindset.
“You can’t win a series by just showing up,” he emphasized. “This is Test rugby. You have to earn every inch. Every tackle, every scrum, every pass—it all matters.”
As anticipation builds, both teams have begun final preparations. The Lions are fine-tuning their attack, which showed promise but lacked finishing polish in the first Test. Meanwhile, the Wallabies are drawing energy from their underdog status, aiming to level the series and take the battle to a decider in Sydney.
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain: with leaders like Itoje setting the tone, fans are in for a fierce and thrilling contest. The Lions may have drawn first blood, but the war is far from over.
