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Debutant set for Bledisloe baptism as Wallabies suffer cruel setback

Declan Meredith will start at No.10 in Saturday’s Sydney Test after Ben Donaldson was ruled out with a groin injury, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips promoted to the bench.

Published: Thursday, 15 October 2026 at 1:57 AM
Debutant set for Bledisloe baptism as Wallabies suffer cruel setback
Key Things to Know
  • Ben Donaldson was ruled out with a groin injury, prompting Harry McLaughlin-Phillips's inclusion on Australia's bench for his debut.
  • Declan Meredith will start at fly-half for the Wallabies against New Zealand at Accor Arena.
  • Wallabies coach Les Kiss made four starting lineup changes following Australia's 50-19 defeat at Eden Park.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Australia fly-half Ben Donaldson has been ruled out of Saturday's Bledisloe Cup rematch against New Zealand at Accor Arena due to a groin injury. Wallabies coach Les Kiss selected Declan Meredith to start at No. 10, while uncapped Western Force playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is set to make his international debut from the replacements bench. Australia enters the clash seeking to snap a 12-Test losing streak against the All Blacks.

Kiss made four starting changes following a 50-19 loss at Eden Park, bringing in Harry Potter on the wing after Len Ikitau suffered a concussion, shifting Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to outside centre, and promoting prop Aidan Ross and hooker Josh Nasser. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie recalled George Bower, Fabian Holland, and Josh Moorby to his starting side.

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