By Estea Rademeyer.
Photo Credit: Wallabies Rugby.
Australia return to Accor Stadium on Saturday needing a response, not only to the All Blacks’ 50- 19 demolition in Auckland but also to a selection crisis that has forced another reshuffle in the Wallabies backline.
New Zealand have already secured the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year, extending their dominance over Australia. But the second Test offers the Wallabies an opportunity to restore some confidence under coach Les Kiss, whose promising start has been tempered by last weekend’s second half collapse.
The challenge is considerable. New Zealand have won their last 12 Tests against Australia and their last five meetings at this venue. Their most recent Sydney encounter, in September 2024, ended in a 31- 28 All Blacks victory.
The most significant change for Australia comes at flyhalf, where Declan Meredith has been promoted to the starting role after injuries ruled out Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson.
Meredith, 27, now has the responsibility of directing the Wallabies’ attack and improving a kicking game that struggled in Auckland. Uncapped Harry McLaughlin Phillips has been named on the bench and could make his international debut, becoming Wallaby No 1,001.
Kiss has resisted calls to turn to experienced alternatives such as Bernard Foley or James O’Connor, instead backing Meredith to develop through the pressure of Test rugby. “This is an opportunity for other guys to be feeling it, tasting what Test rugby is about,” Kiss said, defending the decision to give Meredith another chance.
The flyhalf reshuffle is part of a wider injury problem. Carter Gordon is recovering from a broken leg, while Ben Donaldson’s latest setback has further narrowed Australia’s options at No 10. The uncertainty in the position comes at an awkward time, with Damian McKenzie having exploited Australia’s defensive weaknesses in the first Test.
The midfield has also been disrupted. With Len Ikitau unavailable after a concussion and Hunter Paisami still suspended, Joseph Aukuso Suaalii returns to outside centre alongside Isaac Henry. Harry Potter moves onto the left wing, while Filipo Daugunu provides backline cover from the replacements.
That combination will face a formidable New Zealand midfield featuring Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, with bruising centre Timoci Tavatavanawai also available from the bench.
Kiss has also altered his forward pack after Australia failed to match New Zealand’s intensity in the second half at Eden Park.
Aidan Ross starts at loosehead prop, with Angus Bell moving to the bench, while Josh Nasser replaces Brandon Paenga Amosa at hooker. Billy Pollard provides cover in the front row.
Josh Canham returns from a hamstring injury to strengthen the replacements, and his lineout ability could prove important against an All Blacks side that showed vulnerabilities in that area last week. Carlo Tizzano also returns to the bench, offering another option at the breakdown as Australia look to disrupt New Zealand’s possession.
The Wallabies were competitive in the first half of the opening Test, trailing 17 to 14 at the interval. Their collapse after the break, however, exposed the difference in depth between the sides, with New Zealand pulling away to win by 31 points.
“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better,” he said. “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.”
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting side, with further adjustments on the bench following injuries and concussion concerns from the Auckland Test.
George Bower replaces Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, while Fabian Holland comes into the second row alongside captain Scott Barrett, replacing Josh Lord. Josh Moorby is promoted to the starting left wing after Leroy Carter was ruled out.
Damian McKenzie retains the flyhalf role with Richie Mo’unga unavailable because of a calf injury. McKenzie was outstanding in the opening Test, and his ability to attack space and punish defensive errors will again test Australia’s reshuffled backline. Beauden Barrett starts at fullback.
The All Blacks’ bench has been refreshed, with Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima and Tavatavanawai among the replacements. Despite the changes, New Zealand retain considerable experience and attacking depth.
Their scoring record underlines the challenge facing Australia. The All Blacks have scored more than 20 points in each of their last 14 Tests and have crossed for 42 tries in eight matches in 2026, an average of 5.25 per game.
“The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week,” he said. “It’s a great challenge for us to now face them in front of their home crowd in Sydney.”
Australia’s task is to improve their discipline, sharpen their kicking and find a way to compete for longer against New Zealand’s powerful forward pack and rapid attack. The selections suggest Kiss is prioritising development as well as results, even with the pressure of a home Test and a long losing streak against the All Blacks.
New Zealand, meanwhile, have the freedom of a side that has already retained the trophy, but Rennie’s changes indicate the match remains an important opportunity to build depth and maintain standards.
The Bledisloe Cup may be settled for another year. The question on Saturday is whether Australia can turn a chastening defeat into a more competitive performance, or whether the All Blacks will extend a record run that has become one of the defining features of the rivalry.
Teams:
Wallabies: Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter, Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, Tom Wright.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu.
New Zealand: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Josh Moorby, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane.
Kick off: Saturday at Accor Stadium, Sydney.