Wallabies Lose Donaldson to Kicking-Leg Injury Ahead of Second Bledisloe Test

Australia's preparations for the second Bledisloe Cup Test suffered a late blow on Thursday as flyhalf Ben Donaldson was ruled out of Saturday's clash with the All Blacks at Stadium Australia. Donaldson, who had filled the number 10 jersey in the absence of the injured Carter Gordon, sustained an injury to his kicking leg. He had been a steady presence in the 50-19 defeat at Eden Park last week, contributing to two of Australia's tries, as the Bledisloe Cup remained in New Zealand for a 24th consecutive year. Coach Les Kiss confirmed the change after Thursday's session, explaining that the staff gave Donaldson every chance to prove his fitness but decided the risk was not worth it with four more Tests still to come after this one. Declan Meredith will instead win his fourth cap at flyhalf, while the uncapped Harry McLaughlin-Phillips has been named as backup on the bench. The setback is the latest disruption to combinations Kiss has built across his six Tests in charge. He had already been forced to recall Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii into midfield alongside Isaac Henry following Len Ikitau's concussion and Hunter Paisami's suspension. Meanwhile, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie made three changes to his side and insisted last week's scoreline flattered New Zealand, saying the team could still be better. Damian McKenzie again starts at flyhalf with Beauden Barrett in reserve.