Injuries Force Wallabies to Name Declan Meredith at Flyhalf for Second Bledisloe Test

How Meredith’s Game Style Fits the Wallabies’ Plan

Declan Meredith will start at flyhalf for Australia in the second Bledisloe Test against New Zealand in Sydney, stepping in due to injuries to Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson. The match is scheduled for Saturday at Allianz Stadium, with the Wallabies seeking to level the series after losing the first Test. Gordon and Donaldson are both sidelined, leaving Meredith to take the No 10 jersey for the first time in a Bledisloe clash.

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Meredith, a 22-year-old Queensland Reds product, has featured off the bench in recent Wallabies appearances but has not started at flyhalf in a Test since his debut against Scotland in 2022. His selection reflects the Wallabies’ ongoing struggle with depth in the backline, particularly after Gordon’s shoulder injury ruled him out for the remainder of the season. Donaldson, who had been backing up Gordon, suffered a hamstring strain during training, further thinning the options. Coach Joe Schmidt has backed Meredith’s readiness, citing his composure in Super Rugby Pacific and his ability to manage the game under pressure.

Can the Wallabies Overcome the All Blacks’ Dominance at Allianz?

Meredith is known for his tactical kicking game and willingness to take the ball into contact, traits that align with Schmidt’s emphasis on territorial pressure. Unlike Gordon, who prefers to play off the flyhalf’s shoulder, Meredith tends to operate closer to the gainline, offering a more direct approach. His partnership with fullback Tom Wright and winger Marika Koroibete will be crucial in exploiting space behind the All Blacks’ defensive line. The Wallabies will also rely heavily on their forward pack to win the collision and provide clean ball, reducing the burden on Meredith to create from nothing.

New Zealand have won their last five visits to Allianz Stadium, including a 38-17 victory in the 2022 Bledisloe Test. The All Blacks have made three changes of their own, bringing back Ardie Savea and Richie Mo’unga while dropping Jordie Barrett to the bench. Despite the Wallabies’ home advantage, history suggests a tough task ahead. Schmidt acknowledged the challenge but insisted his side will back their preparation and execution. „We know what we’re up against, but we believe in the group we’ve selected,” he said.

Why was Declan Meredith chosen over other flyhalf options? Meredith was selected due to his recent form with the Queensland Reds and his experience in high-pressure Super Rugby matches, with both Gordon and Donaldson unavailable through injury.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Wallabies’ record at Allianz Stadium in recent Bledisloe Tests? Australia have lost their last three Bledisloe Tests at Allianz Stadium, including defeats in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Will Carter Gordon or Ben Donaldson be available for the Rugby Championship? Gordon is expected to miss the remainder of the 2024 season due to his shoulder injury, while Donaldson’s hamstring issue may keep him out for several weeks, ruling both out of the upcoming Rugby Championship fixtures.