Meredith named at flyhalf for second Bledisloe Test

Australia has named Declan Meredith at flyhalf for the second Bledisloe Cup Test after Ben Donaldson was ruled out with an injury, handing the rookie playmaker a starting role against New Zealand. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is set to make his Test debut from the bench, as Wallabies coach Les Kiss reshaped the side for the match scheduled for Saturday, October 17, in Sydney. Donaldson, who started Australia’s previous three Tests at flyhalf, was unavailable with what team reports described as a minor upper-leg injury. One account said he sustained a groin injury at training on Tuesday. Meredith, who made his Wallabies debut against France in July, will make his third career start. He appeared off the bench in Australia’s 50-19 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park last week. McLaughlin-Phillips, an uncapped playmaker, was selected as the replacement flyhalf with Carter Gordon and Tom Lynagh also sidelined by injury. Kiss said the choice to include him was made 90 minutes before the team announcement. The coach said he trusted Meredith’s abilities, citing his willingness to take on the defensive line, kicking and defence. The Wallabies have also made changes elsewhere.