Garry Ringrose has been forced to withdraw from the British and Irish Lions squad ahead of the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. The Irish centre, who has played 67 Tests for Ireland, felt the effects of concussion during training, leading to his withdrawal.

Head coach Andy Farrell had initially selected Ringrose in the starting lineup, but the player himself decided to step down after informing Farrell that he was not fit to play. This marks the second time Ringrose has been sidelined due to a head injury during this tour, having missed the first Test for the same reason.

Farrell praised Ringrose's honesty and selflessness, stating, "It's very easy to keep it to yourself and lie and not be honest and open. It was very big of him and the right thing to do, 100% - for the team as well, not just for Garry."

Sione Tuipulotu, who was expected to make a fairytale return to his hometown, has also been left out of the squad due to a tight hamstring. Instead, Bundee Aki will partner with Huw Jones in the midfield, forming an Ireland-Scotland centre partnership.

The Lions' lineup features a record nine Irish players, with seven from Leinster. Owen Farrell and Jac Morgan have been named on the bench, with Morgan set to make his Test debut if he takes the field.

On the Australian side, Will Skelton and Rob Valetini return to bolster the Wallabies' lineup. Coach Joe Schmidt has opted for a 6-2 bench split, emphasizing the physicality needed to counter the Lions.

Farrell expressed confidence in his team's ability to make history, stating, "We're the privileged ones that get the opportunity to do something special and hopefully create a bit of history."

The match officials for the game include referee Andrea Piardi from Italy, with Nika Amashukeli and Ben O'Keeffe as assistant referees. The TMO will be Eric Gauzins from France.

This second Test promises to be a thrilling encounter as the Lions aim to clinch the series with a game to spare, while the Wallabies look to level the series on home soil.