Wallabies coach Les Kiss has backed Declan Meredith to start on Saturday against the All Blacks in Sydney.
Kiss has made several changes after last week's defeat at Eden Park, including elevating Meredith, paving the way for Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, set for his Test debut off the bench.
Ben Donaldson was originally expected to feature in the halves; however, he failed to come through training Thursday morning after a minor upper-leg injury to his kicking leg.
"We went into the the session, gave 'Donno' a chance to see how that felt. Got warmed up, and we just felt it's not worth the risk for him, for the team, so we just moved on quickly," Kiss told reporters.
"Considering that we have got four more tests after this one, it's important to make sure Donno is in good nick."
Meredith will make his fourth start of the year, having faced France, Italy and Japan earlier this year.
New Western Force recruit McLaughlin-Phillips is set to finish the game, continuing a breakout season for the Queensland product. The flyhalf helped the Force win the Super Rugby AUS title, joining the Wallabies camp after Carter Gordon’s leg injury.
"He'll take the line on in a different way to the other boys," Kiss said, having handed the flyhalf his Super Rugby debut with the Reds.
"He's got a different skill set which I like, having those differences. Goal kicking has been fantastic lately, so if we have to take Ryan [Lonergan] off we're in good place but he's a physcial 10 and will hold his own in that channel in defence."
McLaughlin-Phillips’ naming headlines a brand-new-looking bench for the second Test against the Kiwis, with Josh Canham back from a hamstring injury as Angus Bell swaps with Aidan Ross.
Bell is slated for his third appearance in 2026 as a finisher, having won his previous two stints coming on at half-time.
Western Force energiser Carlo Tizzano also returns to the 23, as Billy Pollard and Massimo De Lutiis round out the forward replacements.
Kalani Thomas replaces Tate McDermott as Filipo Daugunu fills the vacant bench spot left by Len Ikitau’s concussion, with Harry Potter starting on the wing and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moving back into the centres.
Suaalii partners Isaac Henry for the first time at Test level, shifting Henry to inside centre.
Meanwhile, Josh Nasser takes his place in the starting side alongside Ross and Allan Alaalatoa. It’s Nasser’s fifth start of the year and his first Bledisloe Cup start after scoring off the bench last week.
Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set for his 50th cap, partnering Jeremy Williams.
"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.”
1. Aidan Ross (8 Tests) - #994; Bond University
2. Josh Nasser (17 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (95 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (34 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (49 Tests) - #914; Randwick Rugby
6. Rob Valetini (70 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (48 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (44 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (14 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (3 Tests) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (17 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Isaac Henry (5 Tests) - #999; Kenmore Bears
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (26 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (29 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (52 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Billy Pollard (25 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (59 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Massimo De Lutiis (4 Tests) - #1000; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Josh Canham (8 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
20. Carlo Tizzano (17 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
21. Kalani Thomas (2 Tests) - #995; Springfield Hawks
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips* - uncapped; Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Filipo Daugunu (24 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs
