Injury-Hit Wallabies Turn to Rookie Declan Meredith at Flyhalf for Test Against France
Declan Meredith will debut as the Wallabies’ sixth No.10 in a year after calf injuries sidelined Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson, officials said.
- Uncapped flyhalf Declan Meredith will start at No. 10 for the Wallabies against France in Brisbane on Saturday, coach Joe Schmidt confirmed when naming the 26-year-old to the starting side on Thursday.
- Calf injuries to Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson forced the selection change, as both playmakers were ruled out following last week's 33-31 loss to Ireland.
- Tom Wright replaces Jock Campbell at fullback, while Nick Champion de Crespigny joins the bench to cover flanker Tom Hooper, sidelined with a shoulder injury.
- Schmidt noted the team has "worked hard on continuing to improve" after missing opportunities against Ireland, with Australia next facing Italy in Perth as the Nations Championship continues.
- Sidelined flanker Tom Hooper signed a two-year deal to join the Queensland Reds in 2029, with the contract allowing his return to Australia mid-2028 for Wallabies duties.
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33 Articles
Australia unveiled its composition to face the XV of France, this Saturday in Brisbane, counting for the second day of the Championship of Nations.
Fly-half Meredith to make Australia debut against France
The 27-year-old ACT Brumbies playmaker was called into the Australia squad for the first time before the Nations Championship opener against Ireland last week. He failed to make the Wallabies bench, but now finds himself as the leading No.10 for Saturday's encounter, with Gordon and Donaldson, who both played last week, sidelined by calf strains. Gordon will also miss the July 18 clash with Italy. The long-term prognosis for Donaldson, who fluff…
Associated Press News
Injury-hit Wallabies turn to rookie Declan Meredith at flyhalf for test against France
Declan Meredith is set to make his rugby test debut for the Wallabies against Six Nations champion France following a string on injuries among Australia's playmakers.
Sydney Morning Herald
Debutant named at No.10 as Wallabies playmaker merry-go-round takes another spin
Declan Meredith has been confirmed as the Wallabies five-eighth to take on France after an injury crisis depleted their playmaking stocks
Rookie Meredith starts at flyhalf for Australia against France
July 9 - Declan Meredith will make his Wallabies debut at flyhalf when Australia take on Six Nations champions France in a Nations Championship test at Brisbane's Lang Park on Saturday. Read more at straitstimes.com.
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