{
  "id": 14594966,
  "title": "Wallabies back Meredith as playmaker for second New Zealand Test",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/wallabies-back-meredith-as-playmaker-for-second-new-zealand-test",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T02:42:21.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/others/2026/10/1555896/wallabies-back-meredith-playmaker-second-new-zealand-test"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sydney: In a bid to recover from their recent Bledisloe Cup defeat to New Zealand, Australia's coach Les Kiss opted to replace four players in the starting lineup for their upcoming second Test. Declan Meredith, the fly-half, will be making his fourth appearance for the Wallabies at fly-half, replacing Ben Donaldson who is ruled out due to a minor upper leg injury. Meredith is set to partner Ryan Lonergan, a teammate from the ACT Brumbies, in the halves for the second consecutive Test.\n\nTo bolster their back row, Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell, with Ross joining the Wallabies as a prop. Bell will now serve as a reserve option in the second-half to add power to the Wallabies' attack. The changes in the front row include Josh Nasser stepping in for Brandon Paenga-Amosa, alongside Allan Alaalatoa. Australia will be without their influential center Len Ikitau, who is dealing with a concussion, and has been replaced by Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii who moves to the outside center position. Isaac Henry and Harry Potter will play as the midfielders, with Harry Potter joining the team on the wing.\n\nOn the bench, Billy Pollard is reintegrated, joining Bell and Massimo De Lutiis to replace the front row. Josh Canham will return from injury as the substitute lock, with Carlo Tizzano providing backup in the forward pack. Notably, scrum-half Kalani Thomas was inserted instead of the experienced Tate McDermott, who underperformed in the previous match. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is set to make his debut as the fly-half should he be called upon. The All Blacks, as holders, have already secured the Bledisloe Cup for their 24th consecutive title.",
  "summary": "SYDNEY: 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.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Wallabies show faith in rookie fly half for final All Blacks Test",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/wallabies-show-faith-in-rookie-fly-half-for-final-all-blacks-test",
        "published": "2026-10-15T02:34:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}