Australia has made several changes to its lineup ahead of the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand, set for Saturday in Sydney, following a heavy 50-19 loss in the first match last week in Auckland. The Wallabies coach, Les Kiss, named Declan Meredith as the starting flyhalf, stepping in for the injured Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, an uncapped playmaker, was named as his backup.
Injuries to Len Ikitau and the ongoing suspension of Hunter Paisami have led to further adjustments in the backline, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moving back to the centre alongside Isaac Henry. Harry Potter will start on the left wing, replacing Suaalii, while Filippo Daugunu will serve as cover for outside backs and centres on the bench.
The forward pack has also been reshuffled. Former New Zealand loosehead prop Aidan Ross earns a starting spot, pushing Angus Bell to the substitutes. Josh Nasser moves from the bench to start at hooker, with Billy Pollard as his replacement. Brandon Paenga-Amosa has been left out of the matchday squad entirely. Josh Canham and Carlo Tizzano have been added to strengthen the bench after the Wallabies experienced a significant drop-off in the second half of the opening Test.
Kalani Thomas is expected to earn his third cap as a backup scrumhalf to Ryan Lonergan, with Tate McDermott excluded from the squad. Australia enters this match with a challenging history, having lost their last 12 encounters against New Zealand.
Coach Les Kiss acknowledged the team’s setbacks from the opening game, noting, “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.”
New Zealand’s coach, Dave Rennie, made three changes to his starting lineup. Fabian Holland replaces Josh Lord at lock, George Bower steps in for Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, and Josh Moorby moves into the left wing spot vacated by the injured Leroy Carter, who suffered a concussion. Other forwards Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua are sidelined due to injuries sustained in the previous match.
Damian McKenzie will continue as New Zealand’s flyhalf in place of the injured Richie Mo’unga, who is sidelined with a calf problem. Beauden Barrett maintains his position at fullback. Injured forward Ethan Blackadder remains unavailable.
Rennie commented on the upcoming fixture, saying, “The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week. It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
Lineups for Saturday’s match are as follows:
Australia starting XV: Tom Wright (15), Max Jorgensen (14), Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (13), Isaac Henry (12), Harry Potter (11), Declan Meredith (10), Ryan Lonergan (9), Harry Wilson (captain, 8), Fraser McReight (7), Rob Valetini (6), Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (5), Jeremy Williams (4), Allan Alaalatoa (3), Josh Nasser (2), Aidan Ross (1).
Australia replacements: Billy Pollard (16), Angus Bell (17), Massimo De Lutiis (18), Josh Canham (19), Carlo Tizzano (20), Kalani Thomas (21), Harry McLaughlin-Phillips (22), Filipo Daugunu (23).
New Zealand starting XV: Beauden Barrett (15), Will Jordan (14), Quinn Tupaea (13), Jordie Barrett (12), Josh Moorby (11), Damian McKenzie (10), Cam Roigard (9), Wallace Sititi (8), Peter Lakai (7), Tupou Vea’i (6), Fabian Holland (5), Scott Barrett (4), Fletcher Newell (3), Codie Taylor (captain, 2), George Bower (1).
New Zealand replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho (16), Xavier Numia (17), Pasilio Tosi (18), Shannon Frizell (19), Du’Plessis Kirifi (20), Cortez Ratima (21), Timoci Tavatavanawai (22), Rieko Ioane (23).