Wallabies coach Les Kiss has named his team for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks at Accor Stadium in Sydney, with Declan Meredith starting at flyhalf and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips set for a Test debut off the bench.
The side was confirmed on Thursday by Rugby Australia, less than a week after New Zealand thrashed Australia 50-19 at Eden Park to retain the Bledisloe Cup. Kick-off in Sydney is 3:45pm AEDT on Saturday 17 October.
Meredith replaces Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable with a minor upper-leg injury. The North Queensland junior will make his fourth start of the year and his first in a Bledisloe Cup Test, forming a club partnership with halfback Ryan Lonergan.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts back to outside centre after Len Ikitau was ruled out with concussion, partnering Isaac Henry in midfield for the first time at Test level. Harry Potter starts on the left wing, with Max Jorgensen on the right and Tom Wright at fullback.
Read more: All Blacks Name Team for Second Bledisloe Test in Sydney
Front row, 50th cap and a new-look bench
Aidan Ross starts at loosehead prop against the country he once represented, alongside hooker Josh Nasser and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set for his 50th Test, locking with Jeremy Williams, while the back row is unchanged: Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson.
Angus Bell drops to the bench as a finisher, joined by Billy Pollard, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham (cleared of a hamstring injury), Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas and Filipo Daugunu. Uncapped Western Force recruit Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is in line to become Wallaby No.1001 as the substitute playmaker, Rugby Australia said.
Read more: All Blacks Beat Wallabies 50-19, Retain Bledisloe Cup
Kiss: final home Test of 2026
“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better. We’ve said all along we’ll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week,” Kiss said.
“This Saturday will be a great occasion with the Wallaroos and Sevens teams also playing in our own backyard. Playing our final Test on home soil for 2026 is a huge motivator and we’re determined to put out a performance all Australians can be proud of.”
The match is part of a quadruple-header at Accor Stadium. New Zealand named their side earlier on Thursday with eight changes to the match-day 23.
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