Wallabies reshuffle backline for second Bledisloe clash after injury setbacks

Australia coach Les Kiss has selected Declan Meredith as the starting fly-half, with uncapped playmaker Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips named as a back‑up for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Sydney.

Kiss endured his first loss as coach in a heavy 50‑19 defeat last week in Auckland, a result that saw the All Blacks retain the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year.

With first‑choice fly‑halves Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson sidelined by leg injuries, Declan Meredith will wear the No. 10 shirt, while Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips remains on the bench.

An injury to Len Ikitau and the ongoing suspension of Hunter Paisami have prompted coach Les Kiss to shift Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii back into the centres, partnering Isaac Henry.

Harry Potter will start on the left wing, replacing Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii, while Filipo Daugunu is poised to cover the outside backs and centres from the substitutes’ bench.

Former All Blacks loosehead prop Aidan Ross returns to the starting front row, with Angus Bell moving to the replacements. Josh Nasser is promoted from the bench to start at hooker, supported by Billy Pollard, while Brandon Paenga‑Amosa is omitted.

Forwards Josh Canham and Carlo Tizzano also join the bench to bolster the squad, following the Wallabies’ poor second‑half display at Eden Park last week.

Kalani Thomas is set to earn his third test cap as backup to Ryan Lonergan, while Tate McDermott has been omitted from the matchday squad.

The Wallabies have lost their last 12 encounters against New Zealand.

“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to improve,” said Kiss. “We’ve said all along we’ll keep working hard and developing our game, and the squad has been impressive in how they’ve prepared this week.”

New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has lost forwards Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua, as well as winger Leroy Carter, to injuries and concussions sustained in last week’s 50‑19 victory that secured the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year.

Josh Moorby has been promoted from the bench to replace Carter on the left wing, though most of the injury‑related changes are among the replacements. Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, scrumhalf Cortez Ratima and centre Timoci Tavatavanawai have been called into the substitutes’ bench.

Richie Mo’unga remains sidelined with a calf injury, giving Damian McKenzie another run at fly‑half after his strong performance at Eden Park last week. Beauden Barrett starts at fullback once more, while forward Ethan Blackadder is also unavailable due to injury.

“The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week,” said Rennie. “It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”

Australia team: 15‑Tom Wright, 14‑Max Jorgensen, 13‑Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii, 12‑Isaac Henry, 11‑Harry Potter, 10‑Declan Meredith, 9‑Ryan Lonergan, 8‑Harry Wilson (captain), 7‑Fraser McReight, 6‑Rob Valetini, 5‑Lukhan Salakaia‑Loto, 4‑Jeremy Williams, 3‑Allan Alaalatoa, 2‑Josh Nasser, 1‑Aidan Ross. Replacements: 16‑Billy Pollard, 17‑Angus Bell, 18‑Massimo De Lutiis, 19‑Josh Canham, 20‑Carlo Tizzano, 21‑Kalani Thomas, 22‑Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips, 23‑Filipo Daugunu.

New Zealand team: 15‑Beauden Barrett, 14‑Will Jordan, 13‑Quinn Tupaea, 12‑Jordie Barrett, 11‑Josh Moorby, 10‑Damian McKenzie, 9‑Cam Roigard, 8‑Wallace Sititi, 7‑Peter Lakai, 6‑Tupou Vaa’i, 5‑Fabian Holland, 4‑Scott Barrett, 3‑Fletcher Newell, 2‑Codie Taylor (captain), 1‑George Bower. Replacements: 16‑Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17‑Xavier Numia, 18‑Pasilio Tosi, 19‑Shannon Frizell, 20‑Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21‑Cortez Ratima, 22‑Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23‑Rieko Ioane.

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