Maro Itoje has warned the British & Irish Lions not to underestimate the Wallabies, emphasizing they are a serious side as his team aims to secure the series at the Melbourne Cricket Ground this weekend.
The Lions are strongly favored to win the second Test, which would mark their first consecutive series victory against Australia since Sam Warburton led them to triumph in 2013.
Head coach Andy Farrell has called the match, expected to draw around 95,000 spectators, "the biggest game of our lives," with the Lions chasing only their second series win since 1997. The squad was also addressed by Martin Johnson, a two-time Lions captain and World Cup winner, who handed out jerseys to the selected 23 players.
The Lions are overwhelming favorites after dominating the first half of last week's 27-19 win in Brisbane, but a second-half comeback from Australia and the return of Will Skelton and Rob Valetini from injury have boosted the home side's hopes.
Itoje pointed to England's 42-37 defeat to the Wallabies last November at Twickenham as proof that Joe Schmidt's team should not be taken lightly. "We know we're not facing a weak opponent," he said. "The Wallabies are a strong side—we lost to them last year when we were expected to win. If we don’t approach this right, they can punish us."
Set to earn his eighth Lions Test cap, Itoje is one of only three players in Farrell’s squad with experience on three or more tours. He was named the Lions' standout performer in the 2021 series and played a crucial role in their second Test victory over the All Blacks in 2017. With England, he reached the World Cup final in 2019 and narrowly missed repeating that achievement in 2023.
"These are the kind of games you play rugby for," he added. "The big occasions, the high-stakes moments—they’re opportunities to do something memorable, to share that experience with teammates and family. I try to focus on that possibility, then on what I need to do to be ready."
"With a game like this, the focus is sharper. As professionals, we're always prepared, but not every match carries the same weight. These are special, and they demand more intensity and concentration."
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