ACT Brumbies flyhalf Declan Meredith will make his debut against France as the Wallabies tweak their side for Saturday’s Test in Brisbane.
Meredith will become Wallaby #997, named to start in the halves alongside club teammate Ryan Lonergan after a breakout season for the Brumbies in Super Rugby Pacific.
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It comes after calf injuries to Carter Gordon and Ben Donaldson, with Gordon ruled out for next week’s match against Italy in Perth.
The 27-year-old was called into his first Wallabies squad last month after a strong season for the ACT side, starting the majority of games under Wallabies legend Stephen Larkham.
Meredith’s elevation sees a shift in the backline, with Jock Campbell moving back to the bench as flyhalf cover.
As a result, Tom Wright returns to the starting side after his return from injury last week via the bench.
His place will be taken by the Reds' versatile weapon Filipo Daugunu, used as a Swiss Army knife by the Reds in 2026, starting on both wings and inside centre, with experience at outside centre during his time at the Melbourne Rebels.
The other change to the bench comes as one-time skipper Nick Champion de Crespigny returns to the Test arena, replacing recently re-signed back-rower Tom Hooper (shoulder), who on Wednesday confirmed his return to Australian Rugby with the Queensland Reds in 2029.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has kept the same starting pack that tested Ireland last week, with four Queenslanders named, including Josh Nasser, Josh Canham, Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson.
The Wallabies have won the last seven games in Brisbane, with France last tasting success against the Aussies in the Sunshine State in 1972.
“The group has reset this week in Brisbane after what was a tough ending to the first game of the Nations Championship,” Schmidt said.
“We have worked hard on continuing to improve after missing some vital opportunities last weekend. We know we can be better on Saturday, and we know that we will need to be against the back-to-back Six Nations Champions."
1. Angus Bell (51 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
2. Josh Nasser (12 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (89 Tests) - #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Josh Canham (3 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Rugby Club
5. Jeremy Williams (26 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
6. Rob Valetini (63 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (40 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (37 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (6 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith* - uncapped; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Dylan Pietsch (10 Tests) - #978; Leeton Phantoms
12. Len Ikitau (51 Tests) - #944; Tuggeranong Vikings
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (19 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (21 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (44 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Substitutes
16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (26 Tests) - #918; Southern Districts
17. James Slipper (152 Tests) - #843; Bond Pirates
18. Taniela Tupou (69 Tests) - #917; Brothers Rugby
19. Lachlan Shaw (1 Test) - #996; Ipswich Rangers
20. Nick Champion de Crespigny (4 Tests) - #991; Canberra Grammar School
21. Tate McDermott (51 Tests) - #936; Flinders Rugby Club
22. Jock Campbell (5 Tests) - #959; Inverell Highlanders
23. Filipo Daugunu (20 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs
*denotes Test debut
