Wallabies reshuffle for second Bledisloe Cup Test: Matchday 23 named
The Wallabies have reshuffled their front row and backline for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against the All Blacks in Sydney, with injuries forcing key changes as Australia seek a response to their 50–19 defeat at Eden Park.
Four players enter the starting XV, alongside two positional switches, while lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will celebrate his 50th Test at Accor Stadium.
With New Zealand having already retained the Bledisloe Cup, Australia’s final home Test of 2026 offers an opportunity to restore some pride in the Green and Gold Jersey.
Watch: MINI MATCH | All Blacks v Australia | Auckland, 2026 (Bledisloe Cup)
The most significant change comes at first five-eighth, where Declan Meredith replaces Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable with a minor upper-leg injury. Meredith steps up from last weekend’s bench for his first Bledisloe Cup start, reconnecting with Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan. Their established club partnership provides some familiarity within the reshaped backline.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii returns to outside centre after starting Australia’s past two Tests on the wing. His move follows Len Ikitau’s concussion in Auckland, with Isaac Henry shifting from outside to inside centre. Ikitau failed his head injury assessment and is serving the mandatory stand-down period, while Hunter Paisami’s suspension further restricts Australia’s midfield options.
Harry Potter consequently earns promotion from the bench to the left wing, joining the retained Max Jorgensen and Tom Wright in the back three. Suaalii’s return to midfield should create opportunities to involve him closer to the ball after the All Blacks largely neutralised his aerial threat at Eden Park.
Up front, former All Black Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell at loosehead, while Josh Nasser takes over from Brandon Paenga-Amosa at hooker. Bell moves to the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled as replacement hooker and Paenga-Amosa omitted from the matchday 23.
Nasser scored as a replacement in Auckland and now receives his first Bledisloe Cup start. Allan Alaalatoa retains the tighthead jersey, while the starting locks and loose forwards remain unchanged. Jeremy Williams once again locks down with Salakaia-Loto, with Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson completing forming an unchaged loose forward trio.
Watch: FULL MATCH | All Blacks v Australia | Auckland, 2026 (Bledisloe Cup)
The replacements have also been extensively revised. Josh Canham returns after overcoming a hamstring injury, taking the reserve lock position occupied by Lachlan Shaw last weekend. Carlo Tizzano replaces Nick Champion de Crespigny as loose-forward cover, offering another specialist openside option alongside starting flanker McReight.
Kalani Thomas replaces Tate McDermott as reserve halfback for his first Bledisloe Cup appearance. Uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips supplies flyhalf cover and could become Wallaby number 1001, while Filipo Daugunu's versatility adds cover across the backline. Massimo De Lutiis retains his position as replacement tighthead.
The challenge extends beyond personnel. Australia trailed just 17–14 at halftime in Auckland before New Zealand’s second-half surge exposed their difficulties under the high ball and sustaining defensive pressure. The Wallabies showed enough early promise to remain competitive, but Sydney will demand greater accuracy and resilience across the full 80 minutes if they are to notch their first Bledisloe Cup win since 7 November 2020.
All Blacks Hit the Training Field Ahead of Wallabies Test | Press Conference (Sydney)
Wallabies Matchday 23
Starting XV
• 1. Aidan Ross
• 2. Josh Nasser
• 3. Allan Alaalatoa
• 4. Jeremy Williams
• 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (50th Test cap)
• 6. Rob Valetini
• 7. Fraser McReight
• 8. Harry Wilson (captain)
• 9. Ryan Lonergan
• 10. Declan Meredith
• 11. Harry Potter
• 12. Isaac Henry
• 13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
• 14. Max Jorgensen
• 15. Tom Wright
Replacements/Substitutes
• 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
