Wallabies hand Meredith No.10 for Sydney Bledisloe rematch
Australia coach Les Kiss has handed Declan Meredith the starting flyhalf shirt for Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Sydney.
The flyhalf — union's chief playmaker, the first receiver who steers the attack — steps in with Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson both ruled out by leg injuries, The Guardian reported.
It is a tough assignment. New Zealand hammered Australia 50-19 in Auckland last week to retain the Bledisloe Cup, the annual trans-Tasman prize, for a 24th straight year. That defeat was the first of Kiss's reign as Wallabies coach and extended Australia's losing run against the All Blacks to 12 matches.
Meredith now becomes the sixth different flyhalf to start for Australia in the past 12 months. Carter Gordon, Tom Lynagh and Noah Lolesio were among those to wear the No.10 jersey in that spell.
The ACT Brumbies playmaker knows the level. He became Wallaby No. 997 when he started against France in July. Behind him on Saturday, uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will provide cover from the bench.
Kiss has shuffled his backs further. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves back into the centres alongside Isaac Henry, with Harry Potter starting on the left wing. Australia need more punch and connection after they were blown open at Eden Park on 10 October.
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting side for the rematch at Accor Stadium. Fabian Holland replaces Josh Lord at lock, the tall forwards who drive the scrum and contest the lineout. George Bower replaces Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, the front-rower who packs down on the left of the scrum.
Josh Moorby is promoted from the bench to start on the left wing in place of Leroy Carter. Carter, Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua all dropped out after injuries and concussions suffered in the 50-19 win.
Richie Mo'unga is still unavailable with a calf injury. Damian McKenzie therefore starts at No.10, with Beauden Barrett at fullback to guide New Zealand's back field.
For fans, this means a Sydney re-set with plenty of fresh faces and the same old pressure. Australia are playing for pride and a first win over their oldest rivals in three years. New Zealand want to prove Auckland was no one-off.
