The New Zealand All Blacks enter Game 2 of the 2026 Bledisloe Cup at Accor Stadium aiming to extend their winning streak over the Wallabies to 13. New Zealand previously sealed the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th time following a brutal second-half onslaught in Game 1 at Eden Park, which handed Les Kiss his first loss as Australian coach.
Kiss Makes Several Changes to Starting Lineup
In response to the series loss, Australian coach Les Kiss has rung the changes to his starting side. Declan Meredith takes over the No. 10 jersey at flyhalf, replacing the injured Ben Donaldson. Aidan Ross and Josh Nasser return to the front row alongside winger Harry Potter, while Len Ikitau’s injury forces Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii to switch back into the centres.
The Wallabies starting XV features Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Allan Alaalatoa, Jeremy Williams, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight, captain Harry Wilson, Ryan Lonergan, Declan Meredith, Harry Potter, Isaac Henry, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Max Jorgensen, and Tom Wright. Reserves include Billy Pollard, Angus Bell, Massimo De Lutiis, Josh Canham, Carlo Tizzano, Kalani Thomas, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and Filipo Daugunu.
Barrett Rules Out Due to Tight Calf
The All Blacks are dealing with significant roster concerns of their own. Veteran centre Jordie Barrett has been ruled out due to a tight calf, joining Asafo Aumua, Anton Segner, Ethan Blackadder, Leroy Carter, Richie Mo’unga, Ruben Love, and Ardie Savea on the sidelines.
New Zealand’s lineup for the Sydney match lists George Bower, captain Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi, Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie, Josh Moorby, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, and Beauden Barrett. The All Blacks reserves are Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Pasilio Tosi, Shannon Frizell, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Chay Fihaki, and Rieko Ioane.
Wallabies Outlook
Despite the series already being decided, Kiss vowed that the Wallabies will “return fire” in Sydney.
It’s like anything. You get a knock back, you find out more about yourself. Belief is created and sustained by not just wins and losses, they’re created by other things. These boys have a strong culture, a strong belief in themselves and a confidence about what they can do.
The match is scheduled to start at 4pm AEDT.
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