Declan Meredith starts at flyhalf for Wallabies

Declan Meredith will start at flyhalf for Australia in Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand in Sydney, with Ben Donaldson ruled out by a minor upper-leg injury.

Meredith handed fourth Test start

Meredith will start at flyhalf for the fourth time in his young Test career, having made his international debut against France in Brisbane in July.

The 27-year-old came off the bench during last weekend’s 50-19 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park.

He will partner ACT Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves, while uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been named among the replacements and could become Wallaby number 1001.

Kalani Thomas will provide scrumhalf cover and is in line for his first Bledisloe Cup appearance.

Suaalii returns to Wallabies midfield

Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves from the wing back to outside centre following Len Ikitau’s concussion.

Suaalii will partner Isaac Henry, who shifts to inside centre, while Harry Potter comes into the starting side on the left wing.

Australia are already without Hunter Paisami through suspension, further reducing Les Kiss’s midfield options.

Ross and Nasser start in front row

Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell at loosehead prop and will start alongside hooker Josh Nasser and tighthead Allan Alaalatoa.

Billy Pollard, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano and Filipo Daugunu have all returned to the matchday 23 as replacements. Canham has been cleared of his hamstring injury, while Angus Bell and Massimo De Lutiis complete the reserve front-row cover.

Lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will make his 50th Test appearance.

The Wallabies face New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on October 17.

Australia XV: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Isaac Henry, 11 Harry Potter, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Jeremy Williams, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Aidan Ross

Reserves: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Massimo De Lutiis, 19 Josh Canham, 20 Carlo Tizzano, 21 Kalani Thomas, 22 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, 23 Filipo Daugunu