Les Kiss explains Wallabies fly-half change with prospect in line to debut

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips is set to become Wallaby number 1001 after being named to come off the bench against the All Blacks, with Ben Donaldson ruled out of the Bledisloe Cup Test after picking up an upper leg injury.

McLaughlin-Phillips spent multiple seasons playing under Les Kiss at the Queensland Reds, even starting at fly-half against the British & Irish Lions last July. Kiss also started ‘HMP’ in the AUNZ Invitational XV against the Lions at Adelaide Oval.

The 22-year-old is coming off a breakout Super Rugby Pacific season with the Reds, before sealing a move to the Western Force ahead of the 2026 Super Rugby AUS campaign. McLaughlin-Phillips helped Wests Bulldogs reach the Hospital Cup Grand Final and then went west.

Kiss called McLaughlin-Phillips into the squad ahead of the 42-38 win over the Springboks and included the uncapped prospect in the group for the Bledisloe Cup series, leading to a potential debut off the bench in Sydney.

Donaldson started the last Test in the No. 10 jersey and was given until a Thursday training session to prove his fitness. But the coaching staff decided “it’s not worth the risk for him” to play, seeing Declan Meredith and McLaughlin-Phillips named in the matchday 23.

“Huge growth in a lot of ways,” Kiss said when asked about McLaughlin-Phillips.

“He’ll take the line on in a different way to the other boys, he’s got a different skillset to the other boys which I like having those differences.

“Goal-kicking has been fantastic lately so if he comes on and has to take over, if Ryan’s off, we’re in a good place as well.

“He’s a physical boy, he’s a physical 10 and just like Declan, they’ll hold their own in that channel in defence. I’m really pleased for him that he’s got this opportunity.”

Meredith skyrocketed into the Wallabies selection fold during the Super Rugby Pacific season, starting in all but one appearance for the ACT Brumbies. The 27-year-old was regularly picked ahead of Tane Edmed, who finished last season as the starting Wallabies fly-half.

Brumbies skipper Ryan Lonergan joins Meredith in the halves, while teammate Tom Wright has been retained at fullback. Meredith debuted for the Wallabies during the Nations Championship Tests in July and last appeared off the bench against the All Blacks in Auckland.

“[Meredith is] with his teammate at the Brumbies in Ryan at nine so that certainly helps,” Kiss explained.

“He’s had a couple of Test matches earlier in the year. Got a lot of trust in what he’s got in his game, that’s for sure.

“He takes the line on, [has] a good kicking game, a very solid defender. Really looking forward to what he’ll bring.”