Full Breakdown
Bledisloe Cup Test II: Injury-Driven Line-up Changes in Sydney
By Drooid · · How we work
Match Preview
Australia will host New Zealand for the second Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney after a 50-19 defeat in Auckland that secured the All Blacks’ 24th consecutive cup retention. With first-choice fly-half Carter Gordon and centre Ben Donaldson sidelined by leg injuries, coach Les Kiss has promoted uncapped Declan Meredith to the No 10 jersey. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, also uncapped, will sit on the bench as a backup playmaker.
Wallabies’ Injury-Induced Adjustments
The Wallabies’ selection reflects a cascade of injuries and suspensions:
- Len Ikitau’s injury and the ongoing suspension of Hunter Paisami have forced Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii back into the centre partnership alongside Isaac Henry.
- Harry Potter replaces Suaalii on the left wing, while Filipo Daugunu covers the outside backs and centres from the bench.
- Front-row changes see former All Blacks prop Aidan Ross starting, Angus Bell moving to the bench, and Josh Nasser promoted to hooker with Billy Pollard as his reserve.
- Additional bench reinforcements include forwards Josh Canham and Carlo Tizzano after the Wallabies’ second-half fade at Eden Park.
- Kalani Thomas earns his third cap as backup to Ryan Lonergan, and Tate McDermott is omitted from the squad.
These alterations aim to address the defensive lapses that contributed to the previous loss.
All Blacks’ Squad Tweaks
New Zealand also contended with injuries and concussion concerns from the Auckland match:
- Locks Fabian Holland replaces Josh Lord, and George Bower takes over at loosehead prop from Ethan de Groot.
- Wing Leroy Carter, forward Anton Segner and Asafo Aumua are unavailable. Josh Moorby is promoted from the bench to the left wing.
- Damian McKenzie returns to the No 10 role after a strong performance at Eden Park, while Beauden Barrett remains at fullback.
- The bench includes hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, scrum-half Cortez Ratima and centre Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Official Statements & Responses
Les Kiss emphasized that the Wallabies now have a clear view of the areas needing improvement following the Auckland defeat. Dave Rennie highlighted the challenge of facing a proud Australian side on home soil, noting the All Blacks’ confidence after their decisive victory.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better,” — Les Kiss, australia coach
- “The Wallabies are a proud side and they’ll be hurting after last week,” — Dave Rennie, new zealand coach