Playmaker Meredith named for Bledisloe Cup start as Wallabies coach Kiss bulks up bench

Thu, Oct 15, 2026, 1:30 AM
Nathan Williamson
by Nathan Williamson
Highlights from the Wallabies' clash with the All Blacks in the first Bledisloe Cup Test of The Flight Centre Series at Eden Park, Auckland.

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.

Watch every second of Saturday's quad-header with the Wallabies, Wallaroos and Sevens teams live and on demand via Stan Sport.

Angus Bell is among several stars on the bench, but the main selection decision is the flyhalf change, with Ben Donaldson out with a minor upper-leg injury.

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.

McLaughlin-Phillips’ naming headlines a brand-new-looking bench for the second Test against the Kiwis.

In-form lock Josh Canham has been cleared of a hamstring injury, with Bell swapping with Aidan Ross, which sees the Kiwi-born prop start against his old side.

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.”

Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday October 17 at 3:45pm AEDT

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

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