Wallabies team confirmed to play New Zealand in Sydney

Thu, Oct 15, 2026, 1:30 AM
Rugby Australia
by Rugby Australia
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will wear the Wallaby gold for the 50th time this weekend. Photo: Getty Images
Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will wear the Wallaby gold for the 50th time this weekend. Photo: Getty Images

Queensland lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will play his 50th Test on Saturday afternoon, named to start in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium.

Salakaia-Loto, who was formally known as Lukhan Tui, made his Test debut, becoming Wallaby #914, in a 27-all draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2017.

He will again partner Jeremy Williams in the second row, with the back row also unchanged from Auckland with Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson the loose forward trio.

There are two changes in the starting front row, with Aidan Ross named as the run on loosehead prop, alongside his club teammate and hooker Josh Nasser and experienced tighthead Allan Alaalatoa.

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts back to outside centre, after Len Ikitau was ruled out of the Test following a concussion at Eden Park. Suaalii will partner Isaac Henry in the midfield with the Wallabies set to wear their First Nations jersey for the second time this international season.

North Queensland junior Declan Meredith has been named to start at flyhalf for the first time in a Bledisloe Cup Test, forming a familiar partnership with club teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves. Meredith replaces Ben Donaldson who is unavailable with a minor upper leg injury.

The only other change to the starting side sees Harry Potter named on the left wing in what will be his first Test in Sydney, with Max Jorgensen to start on the right edge and Tom Wright again selected at fullback.

There are a number of shifts on the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled, combining with Angus Bell and Massimo De Lutiis in the replacement front row.

Josh Canham will make his return from injury via the pine as the substitute lock, while Carlo Tizzano will provide the remaining forward cover.

Queensland’s Kalani Thomas has been selected for his first Bledisloe Cup Test as the replacement scrumhalf, with his club teammate and Gunnedah-junior Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in line to become Wallaby number 1001 - a likely debutant as the substitute playmaker. The versatility of Filipo Daugunu sees him round out the matchday 23.

The match will be the first quadruple header in Australian Rugby, with the Wallaroos set to play Scotland and both Australia Sevens teams also in action.

Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: "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.

“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.”

2026 Wallabies Fixtures
July Nations Championship Tests

Wallabies 31 defeated by Ireland 33 on Saturday July 4 at Allianz Stadium, Sydney

Wallabies 26 defeated by France 42 on Saturday July 11 at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane

Wallabies 57 defeated Italy 10 on Saturday July 18 at HBF Park, Perth

Flight Centre Series/Bledisloe Cup

Wallabies 35 defeated Japan 32 on Saturday August 8 at Hanazono Rugby Stadium, Higashi-Osaka

Wallabies 56 defeated Japan 17 on Saturday August 15 at Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville

Wallabies 27 defeated Argentina 21 on Saturday August 29 at Estadio 23 de Agosto, San Salvador de Jujuy

Wallabies 28 drew with Argentina 28 on Saturday September 5 at Estádio Malvinas Argentinas, Mendoza

Wallabies 42 defeated South Africa 38 on Sunday September 27 at Optus Stadium, Perth

Wallabies 19 defeated by New Zealand 50 on Saturday October 10 at Eden Park, Auckland

Wallabies vs New Zealand, 3:45pm AEDT on Saturday October 17 at Accor Stadium, Sydney

November Nations Championship Tests

Wallabies vs England, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 9 at Allianz Stadium Twickenham, London

Wallabies vs Scotland, 2:10am AEDT on Monday November 16 at Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Wallabies vs Wales, 7:10am AEDT on Sunday November 22, Principality Stadium, Cardiff

Nations Championships Finals Weekend, Weekend starting November 27

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