Declan Meredith is on the verge of making his Wallabies debut after Carter Gordon was sidelined with an injury, team sources have confirmed. The 22-year-old fly-half has been called up to the squad as a replacement, with Gordon suffering a shoulder injury during training.
Gordon's Injury Opens Door for Meredith
Carter Gordon, who had been expected to start in the upcoming Test match, injured his shoulder in a collision at training on Tuesday. Scans revealed a grade two AC joint sprain, ruling him out for at least three weeks. This development has paved the way for Meredith, who has been in impressive form for the Melbourne Rebels in Super Rugby Pacific this season.
Meredith, who has represented Australia at under-20 level, has been training with the Wallabies squad for the past fortnight as a development player. His promotion to the main squad marks a significant milestone in his career. According to a team spokesperson, "Declan has shown tremendous potential and we are confident he can step up to the international stage."
Meredith's Journey to the Wallabies
Born in Sydney, Meredith moved to Melbourne at a young age and came through the ranks of the Melbourne Rebels academy. He made his Super Rugby debut in 2022 and has since become a regular starter for the Rebels. His consistent performances, particularly his goal-kicking and game management, caught the attention of Wallabies selectors.
In 14 Super Rugby appearances this season, Meredith has scored 78 points, including two tries and 20 conversions. His accuracy off the tee has been a standout, with an 85% success rate. Wallabies coach Eddie Jones praised Meredith's work ethic, saying, "He's a diligent player who understands the game well. We're excited to see what he can do at this level."
Impact on Wallabies Squad
Meredith's inclusion adds depth to the Wallabies' fly-half options, which already include Bernard Foley and Ben Donaldson. With Gordon out, Foley is likely to start, but Meredith could feature off the bench. The Wallabies are preparing for a crucial Test against Argentina, and having multiple playmaking options is vital.
The injury to Gordon is a blow for the Wallabies, as he had been seen as a long-term prospect at fly-half. However, the emergence of Meredith provides a silver lining. Team officials are optimistic about Meredith's ability to adapt to the pace of international rugby.
Looking Ahead
Meredith is expected to be named in the match-day 23 for the Argentina Test. If he takes the field, he will become the 923rd player to represent the Wallabies. His family and former coaches have expressed their pride, with his junior coach remarking, "Declan has always had the talent and determination. This is just the beginning for him."
