Declan Meredith responds to Wallabies buzz amid standout form

ACT Brumbies fly-half Declan Meredith acknowledged that while it’s “nice to get my name thrown around” about a potential Wallabies call-up, the in-form playmaker is staying focused on the task at hand in Super Rugby Pacific.

Meredith has emerged as a potential Wallabies bolter after a stellar start to the season, including five starts in six appearances to date. The 26-year-old opened the season with a double away to the Western Force and has continued to impress in the weeks since.

Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt highlighted Meredith’s “high speed” and bravery on the defensive side of the ball during an interview on Stan Sport last week, with some fans believing the pivot is ready for international honours.

Following last weekend’s nail-biting 33-24 win over the Chiefs in Canberra, with Meredith scoring a try as the Brumbies fought back from a double-digit deficit, the No. 10 insisted he’s focused on “putting my best foot forward for the Brums.”

“Just trying to ignore that outside noise, I guess, at the moment,” Meredith told reporters.

“Trying to focus on playing here consistently at the Brums. I think that’s the main goal for me, just trying to get wins each week and put my best foot forward.

“It’s obviously nice to get my name thrown around like that but obviously just want to block that out and keep putting my best foot forward for the Brumbies here and get wins and focus on the job here at hand.”

Meredith scored a crucial try last weekend as the Brumbies dared to dream of a miracle at GIO Stadium in Canberra. Damian McKenzie had extended the Chiefs’ lead to 24-7 midway through the second half, but the home side hit back immediately.

Scrum-half Ryan Lonergan was first to strike with an effort in the 58^th minute, before Brumbies enforcer Charlie Cale added another five points to the team’s tally. With Meredith diving over in the corner with about 10 to play, the scores were level with a kick to come.

Lonergan stepped up and nailed the tough conversion attempt, giving the Brumbies a two-point lead with time running out for the Chiefs. The visitors were hot on attack in the red zone late in the piece, but a Corey Toole intercept brought an end to uncertainty surrounding the victor.

“Everyone’s pretty stoked with that win,” Meredith reflected.

“[To] show that fighting spirit to come back, it was nice to get that done and especially on Slips’ record game. It was quite nice to get the win.”

The Brumbies are back in the winners’ circle after losing to the Queensland Reds and Fijian Drua in their previous two matches. They are third on the ladder, behind only the Hurricanes and the Blues, and have an Australian derby up next.

Meredith and the Brumbies are setting their sights on the NSW Waratahs, who will make the trip down to Canberra later this week. It’s part of a double-header at GIO Stadium, with the Wallaroos kicking off their season against Fijiana.

“I think everyone knows Tah week’s a massive week and it’s a massive rivalry,” he said.

“We’re not really putting much focus on those guys, we’re just focused on ourselves and building on what we’ve been laying these last couple of rounds.

“It’s a very exciting time and a couple of familiar faces we’ll be coming up against so it’s going to be quite an exciting game.”