Australia and New Zealand Adjust Lineups Before Second Bledisloe Cup Clash

Published 2h ago · Match

Affects Australia and New Zealand · Covered in 2 countries

AI summary37s readNeutral

Injuries force Australia into flyhalf changes while New Zealand alters three starters for the Sydney Test.

Australia has selected Declan Meredith at flyhalf after injuries sidelined regular playmakers Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson for the second Bledisloe Cup Test in Sydney. New Zealand has also adjusted its starting lineup with three changes for the weekend match. The Australians are attempting to regroup under coach Les Kiss following a heavy defeat in Auckland.

Bench selectionUncapped playmaker Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been called up to provide flyhalf cover among the Australian reserves.
Trophy statusA 50-19 victory in the opening match ensured the All Blacks secured the Bledisloe Cup for the 24th consecutive year.

Why it matters

The annual Bledisloe Cup series between Australia and New Zealand remains one of rugby union's oldest rivalries, though New Zealand has held the trophy continuously since 2003.

By the numbers2

24 yrsconsecutive years New Zealand has retained the trophy

3changes to New Zealand's starting lineup

How outlets cover it

What outlets agree on

Both nations have finalized changes to their lineups ahead of Saturday's second Test in Sydney, following New Zealand's dominant series-clinching win in the opening fixture.

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