Brief
Wallabies reshuffle bench for Bledisloe Cup rematch, Bell moved off start
Les Kiss adjusts the Wallabies line‑up, moving Angus Bell to the bench and excluding Tate McDermott as the team prepares for the Bledisloe Cup rematch.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Australia coach Les Kiss has moved world‑class loose‑head prop Angus Bell to the bench for Saturday's Bledisloe Cup rematch against the All Blacks, while veteran halfback Tate McDermott has been omitted from the match‑day squad, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
What happened
The changes were announced on 14 October 2026 ahead of the second test in Sydney. Bell will replace Aidan Ross in the starting front row, with Ross moving to the bench to provide fresh power in the second half. Lock Josh Canham returns from a hamstring injury and will also sit on the bench, alongside flanker Carlo Tizzano. Kalani Thomas has been selected ahead of McDermott, who has struggled for form since returning from a long‑term hamstring injury and is awaiting the birth of his first child.
What the report adds
The article notes that Carter Gordon, the Wallabies' first‑choice fly‑half, will undergo a fitness test within 48 hours to determine his availability for the upcoming November Tests. Gordon fractured his fibula in the 28‑all draw with Argentina last month and is expected to be out for up to two months, but could still be included as one of three playmakers if cleared. Uncapped Harry McLaughlin‑Phillips, named in the squad for the Bledisloe Cup clash, will join Australia A for their two‑match tour of the United States after the test.
What was said
The source does not contain direct quotations from Kiss or any player.
How it came about
The bench reshuffle follows the Wallabies' 50‑19 loss to the All Blacks at Eden Park, where they trailed by only three points at half‑time before being overwhelmed in the second half. Kiss has been managing the minutes of key forwards throughout 2026 to keep them fresh for the four Tests scheduled over the next seven weeks, a strategy also applied to Allan Alaalatoa earlier in the season.
Key facts
- Angus Bell will start on the bench for the Bledisloe Cup rematch. (smh.com.au)
- Tate McDermott has been dropped from the match‑day squad. (smh.com.au)
- Carter Gordon will have a fitness test within 48 hours to assess his availability for the November Tests. (smh.com.au)
- Josh Canham returns from a hamstring injury and will be on the bench. (smh.com.au)
- Kalani Thomas is selected ahead of McDermott on the bench. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Bledisloe Cup 2026: Wallabies vs All Blacks, Angus Bell benched as key forwards return, Tate McDermott dropped, Kalani Thomas included”
