Wallabies back Meredith as playmaker for second Bledisloe Cup Test
by AFP · KickOffAustralia coach Les Kiss has promoted Declan Meredith to flyhalf among four changes to his starting side as the Wallabies look to bounce back from a crushing Bledisloe Cup defeat to New Zealand.
Meredith will earn his fourth cap at flyhalf in Sydney on Saturday, replacing Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable due to a minor upper-leg injury.
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He will form a familiar half-back partnership with Brumbies team-mate Ryan Lonergan.
Prop Aidan Ross comes in for Angus Bell, who will be used off the bench to add strike power in the second half after the Wallabies were overrun in the final 40 minutes at Eden Park last weekend.
Australia went into that game on a six-match unbeaten streak and were trailing by just 17-14 at half-time before falling apart and crashing to a 50-19 defeat.
Ross is one of two changes to the front row, with hooker Josh Nasser replacing Brandon Paenga-Amosa alongside experienced prop Allan Alaalatoa.
Australia will go into the match without influential centre Len Ikitau, who is sidelined with concussion.
In his absence, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to outside centre, partnering Isaac Henry in midfield, while Harry Potter comes into the starting side on the left wing.
There are several changes on the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled to join Bell and Massimo De Lutiis in the replacement front row.
Josh Canham will return from injury as the replacement lock, with Carlo Tizzano providing the remaining forward cover.
Notably, scrumhalf Kalani Thomas has been included at the expense of experienced half-back Tate McDermott, who struggled last week, while flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will make his debut if called upon.
"We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better," said Kiss.
"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."
As holders, the All Blacks have already retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive time.
Wallabies team to face the All Blacks
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 Jeremy Williams, 4 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 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.