Possible Clues:

• Last but one
• Last-but-one
• About time team line-up is organised, second from the 23
• Not quite the last lad in shut up university after hours
• Last but one minute in an elite — put out
• Nearly last, team let up in scrummaging
• Unusually patient mule not quite at the rear
• One before last
• Just before the end
• Almost last