# Meredith replaces injured Donaldson as Australia name Bledisloe side

Source: SportsBriefly (https://sportsbriefly.com)
Canonical URL: https://sportsbriefly.com/en/article/meredith-donaldson-wallabies-bledisloe-sydney-2026-10-15-evening
Section: Rugby (https://sportsbriefly.com/en/rugby)
Author: SportsBriefly
Language: en
Published: 2026-10-15T23:00:47.069+00:00
Updated: 2026-10-15T23:26:38.045359+00:00

> Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is set for his 50th Test as the Wallabies prepare to face New Zealand at Accor Stadium.

## TL;DR
- Declan Meredith replaces Ben Donaldson at flyhalf.
- Donaldson is unavailable with a minor upper-leg injury.
- Australia host New Zealand on 17 October in Sydney.

## Key points
- Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is selected for his 50th Test.
- Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves to outside centre.
- Len Ikitau is ruled out following a concussion.
- Kick-off is 15:45 AEDT, equivalent to 04:45 UTC.

Australia have named Declan Meredith at flyhalf for Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test after Ben Donaldson was ruled out with a minor upper-leg injury. The Wallabies face New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on 17 October, with kick-off set for 15:45 AEDT.

*Cover photo: Declan Meredith pictured in Rugby Australia’s Bledisloe selection report; archive photograph. Credit: [Rugby Australia](https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallabies-team-bledisloe-cup-all-blacks-announcement-rugby-union-20261015).*

## Changes through the backline

Rugby Australia’s Thursday announcement confirms that Meredith will partner Ryan Lonergan in the halves. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves to outside centre alongside Isaac Henry after Len Ikitau was ruled out following a concussion at Eden Park.

Harry Potter comes into the left-wing position, while Max Jorgensen starts on the right and Tom Wright remains at fullback. Those selections give the hosts a changed attacking combination as they seek an improved performance after the first Test.

![Lukhan Salakaia-Loto pictured in Rugby Australia’s team announcement.](https://dcwdppdscydjemfvownz.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media/api/1792106343665-1ct1iv-sports-2026-10-15-evening-rugby-inside-1-photo.jpg)

*Lukhan Salakaia-Loto pictured in Rugby Australia’s team announcement. Credit: [Rugby Australia](https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallabies-team-confirmed-to-play-new-zealand-in-sydney-20261015).*

The Wallabies lost that match 50-19 in Auckland. Saturday is a new contest, but the earlier result sets the scale of the response Australia need against the same opponent.

## Salakaia-Loto approaches a milestone

Lukhan Salakaia-Loto is named to earn his 50th cap, again partnering Jeremy Williams in the second row. The back row remains Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson.

There are also front-row changes, with Aidan Ross and Josh Nasser selected alongside Allan Alaalatoa. On the bench, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is in line to make his Test debut if used.

The selection balances continuity in the loose forwards with changes in the front row and backline. Meredith’s combination with Lonergan is one clear point to watch, particularly in how Australia organise their kicking and possession under pressure.

![Australia face New Zealand at Eden Park in the first Bledisloe Test on 10 October 2026.](https://dcwdppdscydjemfvownz.supabase.co/storage/v1/object/public/media/api/1792106344203-8ua9rc-sports-2026-10-15-evening-rugby-inside-2-photo.jpg)

*Australia face New Zealand at Eden Park in the first Bledisloe Test on 10 October 2026. Credit: [Rugby Australia](https://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/news/brute-force-all-blacks-deliver-second-half-masterclass-to-extend-winning-run-over-wallabies-at-eden-park-20261010).*

For viewers outside Australia, the confirmed start converts to 04:45 UTC and 08:45 in Tbilisi on 17 October. The match is upcoming; the team announcement is not a prediction of the final score.

*15 October evening edition. Reporting reflects information available by 23:59 in Tbilisi (UTC+4).*

Mentions: Declan Meredith, Ben Donaldson, Australia, New Zealand, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto

## Sources
- [Rugby Australia team announcement](https://www.rugby.com.au/news/wallabies-team-confirmed-to-play-new-zealand-in-sydney-20261015)
- [Rugby Australia first-Test report](https://www.rugby.com.au/wallabies/news/brute-force-all-blacks-deliver-second-half-masterclass-to-extend-winning-run-over-wallabies-at-eden-park-20261010)