Donaldson injury a late blow for Wallabies ahead of All Blacks clash

Australia have been dealt a late blow ahead of Saturday’s second Bledisloe Cup Test against New Zealand, with flyhalf Ben Donaldson ruled out with an injury to his kicking leg.

Declan Meredith will start at number 10 for his fourth cap, with the uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips on the bench.

Donaldson had been filling in for the injured Carter Gordon, and helped set up two of Australia’s tries in last week’s 50-19 defeat at Eden Park. That result means the Bledisloe Cup stays in New Zealand for a 24th straight year.

“We just felt it’s not worth the risk for him, for the team, so we just moved on quickly,” Wallabies coach Les Kiss said. “Considering that we have got four more tests after this one, it’s important to make sure Donno is in good nick.”

Kiss had already been forced to reshuffle his midfield, bringing in Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii alongside Isaac Henry, with Len Ikitau concussed and Hunter Paisami suspended.

Australia have lost their last 12 Tests against New Zealand, and are desperate for a home win to build momentum before hosting next year’s World Cup.

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie, who made three changes to his side, said there would be no letting up despite the Bledisloe Cup already being secured.

“It was good last week, we did a lot of really good things, but we still think we can be better,” he said.

Damian McKenzie will again start at flyhalf for New Zealand, with Beauden Barrett among the replacements.

Kiss, who has strengthened his bench, said his team believed it could win. “We’re going to go out there and make sure we represent ourselves in a way that people are proud,” he said.