Meredith replaces the injured Ben Donaldson at number 10 and will partner ACT Brumbies team-mate Ryan Lonergan in the halves when the teams meet at Accor Stadium on Saturday, 17 October 2026.
The selection changes follow Australia's disappointing 50-19 defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park last weekend, a result that confirmed New Zealand's retention of the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th consecutive year.
Meredith given responsibility at fly-half
Meredith will earn his fourth Test cap at fly-half, stepping into a key role after Donaldson was ruled out with a minor upper-leg injury.
The 27-year-old will be familiar with Lonergan, his Brumbies team-mate, giving Australia an established club partnership as they prepare for another difficult encounter against the All Blacks.
Meredith's promotion is particularly important because Australia will also be without Carter Gordon, who is sidelined with a leg injury. The selection leaves the Wallabies relying on a relatively inexperienced playmaker to help restore their attacking structure.
Uncapped fly-half Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been named among the replacements and is in line to make his Test debut if introduced during the match.
Changes to the Wallabies' forward pack
Prop Aidan Ross comes into the starting front row in place of Angus Bell, who drops to the bench.
Hooker Josh Nasser also earns a starting opportunity, replacing Brandon Paenga-Amosa. He will pack down alongside Ross and experienced tighthead prop Allan Alaalatoa.
Bell's inclusion among the replacements gives Australia additional impact in the second half, particularly after the Wallabies struggled to contain New Zealand following half-time in the first Test.
The changes reflect Kiss's desire to improve the team's physical response and provide greater energy late in the match.
Suaalii returns to centre as Ikitau misses out
Australia have also been forced to reorganise their midfield following the concussion suffered by centre Len Ikitau.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii moves from the wing to outside centre, where he will partner Isaac Henry. Harry Potter comes into the starting XV on the left wing, while Max Jorgensen retains his place on the right.
The reshuffle gives Suaalii another opportunity to influence the game from the midfield, although Australia's ability to maintain defensive organisation against New Zealand's attacking threats will be a major test.
Scrum-half Kalani Thomas has also been selected on the bench ahead of the more experienced Tate McDermott, while Josh Canham returns from injury to provide cover in the second row.
Kiss demands a response after Auckland defeat
The Wallabies entered the first Test on the back of an unbeaten run of six matches but were overwhelmed after leading 17-14 at half-time against New Zealand.
The All Blacks scored heavily in the second half to win 50-19, exposing Australia's defensive weaknesses and ability to sustain pressure over 80 minutes.
Kiss acknowledged that the defeat had provided a clear indication of the areas requiring improvement.
"We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better," the coach said.
He added that the squad had continued to work hard and prepare well during the week, expressing confidence in the players' commitment to improving their performance.
Wallabies starting XV to face New Zealand
• 15: Tom Wright
• 14: Max Jorgensen
• 13: Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii
• 12: Isaac Henry
• 11: Harry Potter
• 10: Declan Meredith
• 9: Ryan Lonergan
• 8: Harry Wilson (captain)
• 7: Fraser McReight
• 6: Rob Valetini
• 5: Jeremy Williams
• 4: Lukhan Salakaia-Loto
• 3: Allan Alaalatoa
• 2: Josh Nasser
• 1: Aidan Ross
Replacements
• 16: Billy Pollard
• 17: Angus Bell
• 18: Massimo De Lutiis
• 19: Josh Canham
• 20: Carlo Tizzano
• 21: Kalani Thomas
• 22: Harry McLaughlin-Phillips
• 23: Filipo Daugunu
All Blacks prepare to defend their dominance
New Zealand will arrive in Sydney with the Bledisloe Cup already secured, but the second Test remains an important opportunity to reinforce their superiority over Australia.
The All Blacks have named Beauden Barrett at full-back, Damian McKenzie at fly-half and Codie Taylor as captain, with Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett also included in the starting backline.
For Australia, the immediate priority is to produce a more consistent performance across both halves and avoid another late collapse. Meredith's ability to direct the attack, combined with the reshaped midfield and changes in the front row, will be central to the Wallabies' hopes of ending the series on a more positive note.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 3.45 pm Australian Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday, 17 October, at Accor Stadium in Sydney.