Queensland lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto will play his 50th Test on Saturday afternoon, named to start in the second Bledisloe Cup Test at Accor Stadium.
Salakaia-Loto, who was formally known as Lukhan Tui, made his Test debut, becoming Wallaby #914, in a 27-all draw against South Africa in Bloemfontein in 2017.
He will again partner Jeremy Williams in the second row, with the back row also unchanged from Auckland with Rob Valetini, Fraser McReight and captain Harry Wilson the loose forward trio.
There are two changes in the starting front row, with Aidan Ross named as the run on loosehead prop, alongside his club teammate and hooker Josh Nasser and experienced tighthead Allan Alaalatoa.
Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts back to outside centre, after Len Ikitau was ruled out of the Test following a concussion at Eden Park. Suaalii will partner Isaac Henry in the midfield with the Wallabies set to wear their First Nations jersey for the second time this international season.
North Queensland junior Declan Meredith has been named to start at flyhalf for the first time in a Bledisloe Cup Test, forming a familiar partnership with club teammate Ryan Lonergan in the halves.
Meredith replaces Ben Donaldson who is unavailable with a minor upper leg injury.
The only other change to the starting side sees Harry Potter named on the left wing in what will be his first Test in Sydney, with Max Jorgensen to start on the right edge and Tom Wright again selected at fullback.
There are a number of shifts on the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled, combining with Angus Bell and Massimo De Lutiis in the replacement front row. Josh Canham will make his return from injury via the pine as the substitute lock, while Carlo Tizzano will provide the remaining forward cover.
Queensland’s Kalani Thomas has been selected for his first Bledisloe Cup Test as the replacement scrumhalf, with his club teammate and Gunnedah-junior Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in line to become Wallaby number 1001 - a likely debutant as the substitute playmaker.
The versatility of Filipo Daugunu sees him round out the matchday 23.
The match will be the first quadruple header in Australian Rugby, with the Wallaroos set to play Scotland and both Australia Sevens teams also in action.
Wallabies Head Coach Les Kiss said: "We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better. We’ve said all along we’ll continue to work hard and grow our game, and the squad has been impressive in the way they have prepared this week."
“This Saturday will be a great occasion with the Wallaroos and Sevens teams also playing in our own backyard."
“Playing our final Test on home soil for 2026 is a huge motivator and we’re determined to put out a performance all Australians can be proud of.”
Wallabies team to play New Zealand at Accor Stadium in Sydney on Saturday October 17
1. Aidan Ross (8 Tests) - #994; Bond University
2. Josh Nasser (17 Tests) - #979; Easts Rugby (Brisbane)
3. Allan Alaalatoa (95 Tests) #896; West Harbour Juniors
4. Jeremy Williams (34 Tests) – #973; Wahroonga Tigers
5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (49 Tests) - #914; Randwick Rugby
6. Rob Valetini (70 Tests) - #929; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
7. Fraser McReight (48 Tests) - #937; Albany Creek Brumbies
8. Harry Wilson (c) (44 Tests) - #933; Gunnedah Red Devils
9. Ryan Lonergan (14 Tests) - #993; Tuggeranong Vikings
10. Declan Meredith (3 Tests) - #997; Barron Trinity Bulls
11. Harry Potter (17 Tests) - #989; Moorabbin Rams
12. Isaac Henry (5 Tests) - #999; Kenmore Bears
13. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii (26 Tests) - #988; The Kings School
14. Max Jorgensen (29 Tests) - #984; Balmain Wolves
15. Tom Wright (52 Tests) - #939; Clovelly Eagles
Replacements
16. Billy Pollard (25 Tests) - #958; Lindfield Junior Rugby Club
17. Angus Bell (59 Tests) - #940; Hunters Hill Rugby Club
18. Massimo De Lutiis (4 Tests) - #1000; Surfers Paradise Dolphins
19. Josh Canham (8 Tests) - #987; Harlequin Junior Rugby Club
20. Carlo Tizzano (17 Tests) - #982; University of Western Australia
21. Kalani Thomas (2 Tests) - #995; Springfield Hawks
22. Harry McLaughlin-Phillips* - uncapped; Gunnedah Red Devils
23. Filipo Daugunu (24 Tests) - #931; Wests Bulldogs
