Being a Wallabies fly half hopeful with his super name has been plenty of press that has already been laid on his slim shoulders, but for Tom Lynagh they are twin burdens of hope and expectation of being charged like never before. 36 years ago Father Michael grabbed the first match of the British and Irish Lions series with a view of Fly Half Master, his son will take on the tourists after making an unlikely choice for No. 10.
It’s hard to describe this as something other than unusual Gutsy Call by Joe Schmidt, Australia -Head Trainer, for the opening test in Brisbane. Of race, these circumstances have been forced to him rather: Noah Lolesio’s desperately disappointing damage to Fiji has taken him out of the series, while Carter Gordon, who became king by a previous regime ahead of the World Cup in 2023, has swapped codes to NRL. But the safer game from the Wallabies chief should definitely turn to Ben Donaldson after a strong super rugby -pacific campaign or to James O’Connor after his surprise call -the veteran has experience being a surprise choice on flight half in a Lions series from 2013.
But Schmidt may have acknowledged that this is a time to gamble. And he has gamble. Lynagh is just 22; He has carried Wallaby Green and gold at international level for exactly an hour and did not even travel on the European tour in November. He has not had a hit-out at all since June 6, an encouragement to the crusaders who and early after concussion.
Yet in a series that could come crucial to the future of Australian rugby, Schmidt has placed efforts on pedigree and potential. The head coach is a noted schemer, but it would be reasonable to say that he has looked like a mathematician searching for a solution to an equation he has not fully greasy in the two weeks of Sentce Lolesio’s injury. O’Connor-Who should probably have been in the preliminary team for Fiji Game-Was encrypted at short notice and informed of his choices after a random meeting with a group of teammates in Brisbane, while the lack of giving Lunagh a race in any of the pre-test series errors in the retrospect.
But there is a lot in the composition of the young playmaker to suggest that he might just rose to the challenge ahead of him. The offspring of many a sporting great have had a golden path paved for them – consciously or unconsciously – by their parent, but Lynagh has Ferght to forge his own journey.
Like brother Louis, Italy Wing, Tom was born near Treviso, where their father had spent five years as a player and met their mother, Isabella. The family soon moved to England, where the older two of three sons took the game in the mini section of Richmond RFC, where Tom advanced to Epsom College and Harlequin’s Academy.
Where most people would have been Monte to stay on a travels to the top in the green southwest London, a then 17-year-old empty had other ideas that declared an ambition to move in with his grandparents in Queensland to pursue an Australian dream in the depth of pandemic. In another world he was perhaps back on quins and has been in the position of position behind Marcus Smith; Now, with the English airport, which is expected to be named on the Lions’ bench, the couple could come in direct resistance.
In a way, the move away from London may have helped to temper certain expectations that may have been placed on Lyynagh in an English game that can build a fly half up as quickly as it can dress them down. Despite the famous name, the Australian public has not the claim that has monitored his progress that is close – so far.
He will at least have confidence with Suncorp Stadium, if not overwhelming with those around him. It is a little surprise to see Scrum Half Jake Gordon preferred to Lynagh’s colleague Red Tate McDermott after an insulting season; Connecting quickly with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be the key.
In front, Rob Valetini is a significant injury that is absent with the Nick Master for Crspigny, who ends the back row along with Fraser Mcreight and Harry Wilson, while Will Skelton misses out. A quick start is definitely a must for Wallabies as the curtain comes up in Brisbane – and after a surprise casting in the lead role, the limelight will solve on a man.
Wallabies XV to meet the British and Irish lions in Brisbane (Saturday 19 July, 11am): 1 James let go, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Nick Crspigny Champion, 7 Fraser Mcreight, 8 Harry Wilson (Capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lunagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway.