The Wallabies are heading into Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney with a major reshuffle. After a tough 50-19 loss to the All Blacks last week, coach Les Kiss is forced to get creative due to a wave of leg injuries sidelining his top flyhalves, Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson.
The New Game Plan
It’s giving major pressure for Declan Meredith, who gets the nod at No 10, while the uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips joins the squad on the bench. The backline is looking totally different, too. With Len Ikitau injured and Hunter Paisami suspended, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii is moving into the centers alongside Isaac Henry. Harry Potter is set to start on the left wing.
Up front, Aidan Ross is grabbing a start in the front row, while Josh Nasser moves up to hooker. The team is clearly looking to tighten things up after fading in the second half last time out, adding Josh Canham and Carlo Tizzano to the bench to bring some extra energy.
The Competition
New Zealand isn't coasting, even with the Bledisloe Cup already in the bag for the 24th year running. Coach Dave Rennie has swapped in Fabian Holland at lock and George Bower at prop. They’re dealing with their own injury woes after last week's win, with Josh Moorby stepping in for the injured Leroy Carter. Damian McKenzie is staying at No 10 to run the show for the visitors.
Why it matters
The Wallabies are currently on a 12-game losing streak against New Zealand. They’re at home in Sydney this time, and the vibes are off if they can't bounce back after last week’s blowout. It’s a massive test to see if these roster changes can finally break the cycle and bring some much-needed momentum back to the team.
