All Blacks change three for second Bledisloe Cup Test, Wallabies back Meredith at 10

• New Zealand made three changes to their starting side for Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test against Australia in Sydney.
• Lock Fabian Holland and loosehead prop George Bower replace dropped pair Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot, while Josh Moorby comes in at wing for the injured Leroy Carter.
• Australia made four changes, headlined by Declan Meredith’s elevation at flyhalf for the injured Ben Donaldson.
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New Zealand made three changes to their starting side for the second Bledisloe Cup Test with forwards Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot dropped as they eye a 13th straight victory over Australia.

Dave Rennie’s side whipped the Wallabies 50-19 in Auckland last weekend to secure the trans-Tasman trophy for a 24th straight time.

With the silverware safe, Rennie has brought in Fabian Holland at lock to replace Lord while George Bower was preferred as loosehead prop to De Groot for the clash in Sydney on Saturday.

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Josh Moorby got the nod at wing ahead of Rieko Ioane to replace Leroy Carter who faces a stint out after injuring his ankle while scoring a try in the victory at Eden Park.

They are among eight changes to the match-day 23 with forwards Asafo Aumua and Anton Segner (both concussion) and Ethan Blackadder (calf) all out.

Hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho, prop Xavier Numia, loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, halfback Cortez Ratima and midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai come into the squad as reserves.

They join prop Pasilio Tosi, loose forward Shannon Frizell and Ioane on the bench.

Veteran Beauden Barrett is again at fullback with Damian McKenzie retained at fly-half after being instrumental in helping orchestrate the win last week.

Cam Roigard once more has scrumhalf duties with Rennie hoping his kicking game can again cause Australia major problems.

“Last week was a big week, with it being our first game back on New Zealand soil after a long tour away and the Bledisloe Cup on the line,” said Rennie.

“We put in a performance befitting the occasion. Now we need to back that performance up.”

Wallabies back Meredith as playmaker

Meanwhile, Australia coach Les Kiss elevated Declan Meredith to playmaker among four changes to his starting side as they look to rebound from a crushing Bledisloe Cup loss to New Zealand.

Meredith will earn his fourth cap at flyhalf in Sydney on Saturday, replacing Ben Donaldson, who is unavailable with a minor upper leg injury.

He will form a familiar partnership with ACT Brumbies team-mate Ryan Lonergan in the halves.

Prop Aidan Ross comes in for Angus Bell, who will be used off the bench to add strike power in the second-half after the Wallabies were overrun in the final 40 minutes at Eden Park last weekend.

Australia went into that game on an unbeaten six-match streak and were only trailing 17-14 at the break before falling to pieces and crashing 50-19.

Ross is one of two changes to the front row, with hooker Josh Nasser replacing Brandon Paenga-Amosa alongside the experienced Allan Alaalatoa.

Australia go into the game without influential centre Len Ikitau who is concussed.

In his absence, Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii shifts to outside centre, partnering Isaac Henry in the midfield, with Harry Potter coming into the side on the left wing.

There are a number of shifts on the bench, with Billy Pollard recalled, combining with Bell and Massimo De Lutiis as the replacement front row.

Josh Canham will make his return from injury as the substitute lock, with Carlo Tizzano providing the remaining forward cover.

Notably, scrumhalf Kalani Thomas was included at the expense of the experienced Tate McDermott, who struggled last week, while flyhalf Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will make his debut should he be used.

“We got a clear picture last weekend of where we need to be better,” said Kiss.

“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.”

As holders, the All Blacks have already retained the Bledisloe Cup for a 24th straight time.

Saturday’s Test kicks off at 07:00 (SA time).