Australia names Meredith at flyhalf for second Bledisloe Test

Australia has named Declan Meredith at flyhalf for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Sydney, after injuries ruled out its two leading options at the position. The Wallabies will seek a response to their 50-19 defeat in the first Test, which secured the Cup for New Zealand for a 24th consecutive year. Coach Les Kiss selected Meredith to replace Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable with a leg injury. Carter Gordon is also unavailable for the match because of a leg injury. Uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is named among the replacements as backup at flyhalf. Australia has made four changes to its starting side. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves to outside centre to partner Isaac Henry, with Harry Potter coming into the lineup on the left wing. Those adjustments follow Len Ikitau’s absence through concussion. At prop, Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell, who is among the substitutes, while Josh Nasser starts at hooker in place of Brandon Paenga-Amosa. Kiss has also named scrumhalf Kalani Thomas on the bench, with Tate McDermott omitted from the matchday squad. Josh Canham and Carlo Tizzano are included among the forward replacements.