Declan Meredith will make his Test debut after being named at flyhalf for Australia’s Nations Championship clash against France in Brisbane on Saturday.
The Brumbies playmaker comes into the starting XV after Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson were both ruled out with calf injuries following last week’s 33-31 defeat to Ireland.
Meredith, who received his first Wallabies call-up ahead of the opening round but did not feature against the Irish, will partner Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan at halfback.
The only other change to the starting side sees Tom Wright replace Jock Campbell at fullback, with Campbell dropping to the bench.
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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said his players had responded well after the disappointing defeat in Sydney.
“The group has reset this week in Brisbane after what was a tough ending to the first game of the Nations Championship,” Schmidt said.
“We have worked hard on continuing to improve after missing some vital opportunities last weekend.
“We know we can be better on Saturday, and we know that we will need to be against the back-to-back Six Nations champions.”
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WALLABIES – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Max Jorgensen, 13 Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, 12 Len Ikitau, 11 Dylan Pietsch, 10 Declan Meredith, 9 Ryan Lonergan, 8 Harry Wilson (c), 7 Fraser McReight, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Jeremy Williams, 4 Josh Canham, 3 Allan Alaalatoa, 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Bench: Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Jock Campbell, Filipo Daugunu.
Photo: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images
The post Wallabies turn to rookie for France Test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Declan Meredith will make his Test debut after being named at flyhalf for Australia’s Nations Championship clash against France in Brisbane on Saturday.
The post Wallabies turn to rookie for France Test appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
