Brief

Wallabies lose playmaker Ben Donaldson to groin injury ahead of Sydney Bledisloe Cup test

Declan Meredith will start at fly‑half as the Wallabies adjust the squad for Saturday’s match against the All Blacks.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 08:58:25 GMT

The Wallabies have lost playmaker Ben Donaldson to a groin injury sustained in training on Tuesday, meaning he will miss Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup test in Sydney.

What happened

Donaldson’s injury was confirmed on Tuesday, prompting coach Les Kiss to name Declan Meredith as the starting No. 10 for the match. Meredith, who debuted against France in July, will start for only the fourth time. The bench also sees Western Force recruit Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips promoted, giving him the chance to become Wallaby 1001.

What the reports add

The article notes that the absence of Donaldson and regular No. 10 Carter Gordon forces further changes: Len Ikitau remains out with a concussion, Harry Potter moves to the wing, and Joseph‑Aukuso Suaalii shifts to outside centre alongside Isaac Henry. In the front row, Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell at loosehead prop, while Josh Nasser partners him and the hooker replaces rested Brandon Paenga‑Amosa.

What was said

The piece does not contain direct quotations, but attributes the lineup details to the Wallabies’ coaching staff as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald.

How it came about

Les Kiss has already made four changes since the 50‑19 loss at Eden Park, and the latest injury adds to a series of setbacks that have hampered the Wallabies’ attempt to end a 12‑test losing streak against the All Blacks. Earlier this week, the team also dealt with Len Ikitau’s concussion and a reshuffle of the bench, as covered in Felo’s recent articles on the Bledisloe Cup series.

Key facts

Ben Donaldson ruled out of the Sydney Bledisloe Cup test with a groin injury (smh.com.au)
Declan Meredith will start at fly‑half in Donaldson's place (smh.com.au)
Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips promoted to the bench, could become Wallaby 1001 (smh.com.au)
Len Ikitau remains out with a concussion, affecting the backline (smh.com.au)
Aidan Ross replaces Angus Bell at loosehead prop for the match (smh.com.au)