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Wallabies back Meredith as playmaker for second New Zealand Test / Photo: © AFP
Wallabies back Meredith as playmaker for second New Zealand Test
Australia coach Les Kiss elevated Declan Meredith to playmaker Thursday among four changes to his starting side as they look to rebound from a crushing Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand.
Meredith will earn his fourth cap at fly-half in Sydney on Saturday, replacing Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable with a minor upper leg injury.
He will form a familiar partnership with ACT Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
Prop Aidan Ross comes in for Angus Bell, who will be used off the bench to add strike power in the second-half after the Wallabies were overrun in the final 40 minutes at Eden Park last weekend.
Australia went into that game on an unbeaten six-match streak and were only trailing 17-14 at the break before falling to pieces and crashing 50-19.
Ross is one of two changes to the front row, with hooker Josh Nasser replacing Brandon Paenga-Amosa alongside the experienced Allan Alaalatoa.
Australia go into the game without influential centre Len Ikitau who is concussed.
In his absence, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to outside centre, partnering Isaac Henry in the midfield, with Harry Potter coming into the side on the left wing.
There are a number of shifts on the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled, combining with Bell and Massimo De Lutiis as the replacement front row.
Josh Canham will make his return from injury as the substitute lock, with Carlo Tizzano providing the remaining forward cover.
Notably, scrum-half Kalani Thomas was included at the expense of the experienced Tate McDermott, who struggled last week, while fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will make his debut should he be used.
"We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better," said Kiss.
"We've said all along we'll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week."
As holders, the All Blacks have already retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th straight time.
Australia:
Tom Wright; Max Jorgensen, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Isaac Henry, Harry Potter; Declan Meredith, Ryan Lonergan; Harry Wilson (capt), Fraser McReight, Rob Valetini; Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto; Allan Alaalatoa, Josh Nasser, Aidan Ross.
Replacements: Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Filipo Daugunu
S. Soerensen--BTZ
