The Albany Gazette - Wallabies skipper Wilson concedes losing Valetini a massive blow

While Wilson was confident debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny would do the job as his replacement, he said Valetini's absence with a calf injury had left a hole in the Wallabies squad.

"Bobby's a massive loss for us -- he's been one of the form players in world rugby for some time now," said Wilson

"He takes the tough carries for us week in and week out.

"You don't take it for granted, but you just appreciate a bloke who can take on two or three people and set up front foot ball."

Valetini is usually one of the first names on Australia coach Joe Schmidt's teamsheet, having taken ownership of the number six jersey with his immense power, strong ball carrying and deft offloading.

He was awarded the John Eales Medal in 2023 and 2024 -- an accolade bestowed on the best Australian player each season by his peers.

"The whole forward pack will have to step up because when you lose a player like him it's not ideal," added Wilson.

"But Nick has trained the house down. He's a big physical man and he wants to impose himself on the opposition."

- Backrow battle -

The backrow battle is shaping up to be a key area of the game at a sold-out Suncorp Stadium on Saturday, particularly after the way the NSW Waratahs and ACT Brumbies disrupted the Lions' ball in their respective tour matches.

The Wallabies have chosen Wilson at number eight, alongside Queensland Reds teammate Fraser McReight at openside and Champion de Crespigny at blindside flanker.

The Lions opted for Irish duo Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan with England's Tom Curry in the number seven shirt.

"The Lions have gone with a few different combinations, they've all been playing well," said Wilson.

"I'm really excited with the backrow battle, it's a big test for us."

Wilson said he was almost pinching himself at the thought of leading the Wallabies in a Test against the Lions.

"Playing the British and Irish Lions, it doesn't get much bigger in Australian sport," he said.

"We're very confident, we've had a really good week and done all the preparation that we wanted to do. I feel like we're in a really good place.

"As a young footballer, these are the situations you want to be in, the British and Irish Lions on your home track," he added. "I just can't wait to begin."

(S.Perez--TAG)