Sport: Rugby Country: Japan Category: Coaching

Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith to start for Wallabies against Japan

The Guardian Sport • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 6, 2026, 5:05 AM

Last updated Aug 6, 2026

Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith to start for Wallabies against Japan

Summary

Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith have been selected to start for the Wallabies in their first Test under new coach Les Kiss. The match against Japan is scheduled for Saturday in Osaka. Kiss aims to build on the foundation laid by former coach Joe Schmidt, who struggled with a 12-31 record. The decision emphasizes a commitment to youth, as both players lack significant international experience. This match will mark Kiss's debut in charge of the Wallabies, tasked with improving the team's performance.

Source Links

The Guardian Sport

Key Details

•Les Kiss names inexperienced halves for Wallabies' Test.
•Match against Japan is set for Saturday in Osaka.
•Kiss replaces Joe Schmidt, who had a poor win record.
•Lonergan and Meredith lack significant international matches.

Latest Updates

5:05 AMThe Guardian Sport — Inexperienced halves pair get nod for first Wallabies Test under new coach Les Kiss

What they're saying

"
Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith to start against Japan in Osaka Kiss largely continues with group favoured by predecessor Schmidt New Australian coach Les Kiss has thrown his support behind inexperienced halves pair Ryan Lonergan and Declan Meredith for his first match in charge of the Wallabies against Eddie Jones’s Japan in Osaka on Saturday. The 61-year-old is looking to improve on the foundations laid by his predecessor Joe Schmidt, who won just 12 of 31 Tests over two years. Continue reading...
— The Guardian Sportby Jack Snape

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