Wallabies name Meredith at flyhalf as Donaldson injury forces reshuffle

Australia have named Declan Meredith at flyhalf after Ben Donaldson was ruled out with a minor upper-leg injury, Rugby Australia announced on Thursday. Coach Les Kiss also selected uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips among the replacements as part of a wider reshuffle for the second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Sydney.

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Meredith will start alongside scrumhalf Ryan Lonergan, his club teammate, in his first Bledisloe Cup start. McLaughlin-Phillips has been selected as the reserve playmaker and would become Wallaby number 1001 if he takes the field. His inclusion puts a potential debutant directly behind Meredith in the matchday flyhalf options.

Rugby.com.au reporter Nathan Williamson said Meredith’s selection would mark his fourth start of the year, following appearances against France, Italy and Japan. McLaughlin-Phillips joined the national camp after Carter Gordon’s leg injury and helped the Western Force win the Super Rugby AUS title. The changes leave Australia with a different starting and reserve combination at flyhalf from the one used in Auckland.

The reshuffle extends to the forwards. Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell in the starting side, with Bell moving to the bench, while Josh Nasser has been selected at hooker alongside tighthead Allan Alaalatoa. Williamson reported that replacement lock Josh Canham had been cleared following a hamstring injury. Carlo Tizzano returns to the matchday squad, and Kalani Thomas takes Tate McDermott’s place as the replacement scrumhalf.

Len Ikitau’s concussion at Eden Park has also prompted a midfield change. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to outside centre to partner Isaac Henry, while Harry Potter comes into the side on the left wing. Max Jorgensen remains on the right and Tom Wright at fullback. Filipo Daugunu supplies additional backline cover from the bench.

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto has retained his starting place alongside Jeremy Williams and is in line for his 50th Test. Australia have also kept the back-row combination of Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson. The announced side follows the Wallabies’ 50-19 defeat in Auckland; the return match is scheduled for October 17 at Accor Stadium.