​BRISBANE, Australia (AP) — Injury woes in Australia’s flyhalf ranks have led to Declan Meredith earning a test debut for the Wallabies in the Nations Championship clash with Six Nations champions France on Saturday. The 27-year-old playmaker from Cairns, who joined the Canberra-based Brumbies in 2023, will become the sixth different No. 10 to start for Australia in the last year.
Meredith’s promotion comes as injuries to Carter Gordon, who started last week’s 33-31 defeat to Ireland, and Ben Donaldson, who came on as a replacement and missed a late penalty attempt that could have sealed the win, open the door for him to partner with Brumbies teammate Ryan Lonergan in another halves combination for the Wallabies. Over the past 12 months, Australia has rotated through several flyhalves, with Noah Lolesio, Tom Lynagh, James O’Connor, Tane Edmed, and Gordon each starting at No. 10 at various times.
In another reshuffle, Jock Campbell, who started at fullback in his first test in four years last week, shifts to the bench to provide coverage for both flyhalf and fullback, while Tom Wright returns to fullback as the sole other modification to the starting XV. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt noted the team’s need to reset after a difficult end to the Nations Championship opener, emphasizing the focus on improving after missing critical opportunities in the previous match.
Australia, ranked No. 8, will also be without loose forward Tom Hooper, who hurt his shoulder against Ireland, as they aim to avoid a six-match losing streak. Hooper’s spot on the reserves was filled by Nick Champion de Crespigny.
France, chasing back-to-back Six Nations titles, is expected to make changes to its starting lineup after a 34-32 loss to New Zealand to open the tournament. One adjustment will be forced by winger Damian Penaud’s calf injury sustained early in the game, even though he had just equaled France’ s record with his 41st try, the most in the nation’s history.
Australia’s lineup for the test includes Tom Wright at fullback, Max Jorgensen and Len Ikitau in the backline, Dylan Pietsch and Declan Meredith as part of the backline’s rhythm, with Ryan Lonergan orchestrating from halfback. In the forwards, Fraser McReight leads at eight, Rob Valetini and Jeremy Williams pack the middle, with Josh Canham and Allan Ala’alatoa fronting the scrum. Finishing the pack are Josh Nasser and Angus Bell, while the reserves feature Brandon Paenga-Amosa, James Slipper, Taniela Tupou, Lachlan Shaw, Nick Champion de Crespigny, Tate McDermott, Jock Campbell, and Filipo Daugunu.
This match marks another chapter in the Wallabies’ ongoing search for consistent leadership and reliable go-forward in a drastically disrupted year. The team has been forced to adapt rapidly as injuries and form have continually reshaped selection, testing players’ depth and resilience as they prepare to face a formidable French side hungry to bounce back after their tournament setback. The outcome of this encounter will likely influence selections and strategies as Australia continues to navigate a demanding schedule and strive to stabilize the flyhalf position for the rest of the season.