Latest news with #flyhalf
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Tom Lynagh: The Surrey-educated Australia legend's son handed shock start against the Lions
Being a Wallabies fly half hopeful with his surname has seen plenty of pressure already put upon his slender shoulders, but for Tom Lynagh, the twin burdens of hope and expectation are about to be ladened like never before. 36 years since father Michael seized the first match of British and Irish Lions series with a display of fly half mastery, his son will take on the tourists after earning an unlikely election to No 10. It is hard to describe this as anything other than an exceptionally gutsy call by Joe Schmidt, the Australia head coach, for the opening Test in Brisbane. Of course, these circumstances have rather been forced upon him: Noah Lolesio's desperately disappointing injury against Fiji has ruled him out of the series, while Carter Gordon, made king by a previous regime ahead of the 2023 World Cup, has swapped codes to the NRL. But the safer play from the Wallabies boss surely would have been to turn to Ben Donaldson after a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign, or to James O'Connor after his surprise recall – the veteran has experience of being a surprise choice at fly half in a Lions series from 2013. Tom Lynagh is following in the footsteps of his father, Michael Lynagh (Getty Images) But Schmidt has perhaps recognised that this is a time to gamble. And gamble he has. Lynagh is just 22; he has worn Wallaby green and gold at international level for exactly one hour, and did not even travel on the European tour in November. He has not had a hit-out at all since 6 June, an encounter with the Crusaders that ended prematurely after concussion. Yet in a series that may prove crucial to the future of Australian rugby, Schmidt has placed a bet on pedigree and potential. The head coach is a noted schemer but it would be fair to say that he has looked like a mathematician searching for a solution to an equation he has not fully grasped in the two weeks since Lolesio's injury. O'Connor – who probably should have been in the initial squad for the Fiji game – was scrambled in at short notice and informed of his selection after a chance encounter with a group of squadmates in Brisbane, while the failure to give Lynagh a run in any of the pre-Test series matches looks a major misstep in retrospect. Wallabies boss Joe Schmidt has made a bold selection call (AP) But there is much in the make-up of the young playmaker to suggest that he might just rise to the challenge in front of him. The progeny of many a sporting great have had a golden path paved for them – consciously or unconsciously – by their parent but Lynagh has fought to forge his own journey. Like brother Louis, the 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 relocated to England, where the elder two of three sons took up the game in the minis section at Richmond RFC, with Tom going on to Epsom College and the Harlequins academy. Where most would have been content to remain on a travelator to the top in leafy southwest London, a then 17-year-old Tom had other ideas, declaring an ambition to move in with his grandparents in Queensland to pursue an Australian dream in the depths of the pandemic. In a different world, perhaps he might have remained at Quins and been jostling for position behind Marcus Smith; now, with the English fly half expected to be named on the Lions' bench, the pair could come into direct opposition. Tom Lynagh has been given a huge opportunity (Getty Images) In a way, the move away from London has perhaps helped temper certain expectations that might have been placed on Lynagh within an English game that can build a fly half up just as quickly as it can dress them down. Despite the famous name, the Australian public will not necessarily have been monitoring his progress that closely – until now. 'I'm really excited for Tom,' Schmidt said. 'He's got a quiet confidence about him, which gives us a quiet confidence. He's fitted in really well this week. He has given us the confidence and the players the confidence that he is going to run the game really well for us. His kicking game is strong, he's got good acceleration and he's really brave. 'It's Suncorp [Stadium], it's his home track, it's a fantastic opportunity for him. We twice had him lined up for his first start last year and he picked up little niggles. It's probably not ideal to be starting your first Test for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, but you've got to start somewhere. It not now, when?' As Schmidt mentioned, Lynagh does have familiarity with Suncorp Stadium, if not overwhelmingly so with the players around him. It is a slight surprise to see scrum half Jake Gordon preferred to Lynagh's fellow Red Tate McDermott after an injury hit season; connecting quickly with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key. Up front, Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are significant injury absentees with debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny completing the back row alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies as the curtain comes up in Brisbane – and after a surprise casting in the starring role, the spotlight will fix on one man. Wallabies XV to face the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane (Saturday 19 July, 11am BST): 1 James Slipper, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright. 6 Billy Pollard, 17 Angus Bell, 18 Tom Robertson, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Carlo Tizzano; 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Andrew Kellaway.
The Independent
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Tom Lynagh: The Surrey-educated Australia legend's son handed shock start against the Lions
Being a Wallabies fly half hopeful with his surname has seen plenty of pressure already put upon his slender shoulders, but for Tom Lynagh, the twin burdens of hope and expectation are about to be ladened like never before. 36 years since father Michael seized the first match of British and Irish Lions series with a display of fly half mastery, his son will take on the tourists after earning an unlikely election to No 10. It is hard to describe this as anything other than an exceptionally gutsy call by Joe Schmidt, the Australia head coach, for the opening Test in Brisbane. Of course, these circumstances have rather been forced upon him: Noah Lolesio's desperately disappointing injury against Fiji has ruled him out of the series, while Carter Gordon, made king by a previous regime ahead of the 2023 World Cup, has swapped codes to the NRL. But the safer play from the Wallabies boss surely would have been to turn to Ben Donaldson after a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign, or to James O'Connor after his surprise recall – the veteran has experience of being a surprise choice at fly half in a Lions series from 2013. But Schmidt has perhaps recognised that this is a time to gamble. And gamble he has. Lynagh is just 22; he has worn Wallaby green and gold at international level for exactly one hour, and did not even travel on the European tour in November. He has not had a hit-out at all since 6 June, an encounter with the Crusaders that ended prematurely after concussion. Yet in a series that may prove crucial to the future of Australian rugby, Schmidt has placed a bet on pedigree and potential. The head coach is a noted schemer but it would be fair to say that he has looked like a mathematician searching for a solution to an equation he has not fully grasped in the two weeks since Lolesio's injury. O'Connor – who probably should have been in the initial squad for the Fiji game – was scrambled in at short notice and informed of his selection after a chance encounter with a group of squadmates in Brisbane, while the failure to give Lynagh a run in any of the pre-Test series matches looks a major misstep in retrospect. But there is much in the make-up of the young playmaker to suggest that he might just rise to the challenge in front of him. The progeny of many a sporting great have had a golden path paved for them – consciously or unconsciously – by their parent but Lynagh has fought to forge his own journey. Like brother Louis, the 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 relocated to England, where the elder two of three sons took up the game in the minis section at Richmond RFC, with Tom going on to Epsom College and the Harlequins academy. Where most would have been content to remain on a travelator to the top in leafy southwest London, a then 17-year-old Tom had other ideas, declaring an ambition to move in with his grandparents in Queensland to pursue an Australian dream in the depths of the pandemic. In a different world, perhaps he might have remained at Quins and been jostling for position behind Marcus Smith; now, with the English fly half expected to be named on the Lions' bench, the pair could come into direct opposition. In a way, the move away from London has perhaps helped temper certain expectations that might have been placed on Lynagh within an English game that can build a fly half up just as quickly as it can dress them down. Despite the famous name, the Australian public will not necessarily have been monitoring his progress that closely – until now. 'I'm really excited for Tom,' Schmidt said. 'He's got a quiet confidence about him, which gives us a quiet confidence. He's fitted in really well this week. He has given us the confidence and the players the confidence that he is going to run the game really well for us. His kicking game is strong, he's got good acceleration and he's really brave. 'It's Suncorp [Stadium], it's his home track, it's a fantastic opportunity for him. We twice had him lined up for his first start last year and he picked up little niggles. It's probably not ideal to be starting your first Test for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, but you've got to start somewhere. It not now, when?' As Schmidt mentioned, Lynagh does have familiarity with Suncorp Stadium, if not overwhelmingly so with the players around him. It is a slight surprise to see scrum half Jake Gordon preferred to Lynagh's fellow Red Tate McDermott after an injury hit season; connecting quickly with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key. Up front, Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are significant injury absentees with debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny completing the back row alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies as the curtain comes up in Brisbane – and after a surprise casting in the starring role, the spotlight will fix on one man. Wallabies XV to face the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane (Saturday 19 July, 11am BST): 1 James Slipper, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
The Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Johnny Sexton reveals how ‘matured' Finn Russell has surprised him on British and Irish Lions tour
British and Irish Lions assistant coach Johnny Sexton believes that Finn Russell has evolved into a more 'mature' fly half after admitting that he had misconstrued the Scot's character prior to working with him on this tour. Russell has been picked to start at 10 in the first Test against Australia in Brisbane this weekend having emerged as the outstanding candidate for the role over the last few years and impressed since arriving Down Under. The 32-year-old is coming off an excellent season with Bath, guiding them to the Premiership title, and is featuring in a third tour – though his 2017 call-up came late and under controversial circumstances, while his 2021 trip to South Africa was disrupted by injury. Sexton, a six-time Test Lion, had caused something of a stir when he described Russell as 'flashy' and suggested he would pick other fly halves ahead of him for the Lions in a newspaper interview last November. The Irishman had been overlooked for Russell by Warren Gatland in 2021. The pair both played down any idea of a feud between them after Sexton joined Andy Farrell 's staff as an assistant coach ahead of this tour, and have worked closely together over the last few weeks. And admitting that he had been wrong about aspects of Russell's preparation, Sexton backed the fly half to shine at Suncorp Stadium. 'He has been relaxed as always, you wouldn't know it's the week of a Test match,' Sexton said of Russell. 'You can see the work he does, though. 'You have a perception of him from the outside and I would have had the same, in terms of he is a relaxed guy and just takes things in his stride. But he does a lot of work behind the scenes, and he's been really good this week in prepping the team. As a 10, you need the guys around you prepared, you need to know what you are doing together and he has done a great job of that so far. Hopefully he'll continue his form. 'Like everyone, I think in the last couple of years he's really matured as a player. You can see, Bath getting to finals, winning trophies, you can't do that if you're just that kind of mercurial 10. 'You've seen that now this year. He's got his team over the line and he's won a few trophies and he's carried that form into here. We always knew, particularly when you're surrounding him with the players he's got around him, he's going to bring the best out of them and they'll bring the best out of him. So hoping that he continues that tomorrow and has a good one.' Marcus Smith has been preferred to Owen Farrell and Fin Smith as fly half cover on the bench, with Russell handed the reins to run the Lions side in Brisbane and alongside two Scots with Sione Tuipulotu and Huw Jones paired in centre partnership. Sexton, a first Test starter in Brisbane in 2013, expects the Wallabies to try to target the Scottish fly half defensively but has backed Russell to stand up to the challenge. 'He's been probably our best defender in the backline on this tour so far, I would say,' the former Ireland playmaker said. 'You always knew that was in there, he's a feisty guy out there. Physically he doesn't look that big but he's fronted up big time on this tour, a lot of impact tackles and we'll need him tomorrow in that regard because they'll be coming down his channel, I'm sure. 'Oh, he's still flash, yeah! He'd hate it if I said 'no'. But in the last couple of years he's come into his own as a 10 and he's been able to manage a team because ultimately that's the main job that he's got tomorrow, is to manage all the guys around him. And then his brilliance will come out once he's into the game.'
The Independent
3 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Tom Lynagh: The legend's son handed shock start against the country he grew up in
Being a Wallabies fly half hopeful with his surname has seen plenty of pressure already put upon his slender shoulders, but for Tom Lynagh, the twin burdens of hope and expectation are about to be ladened like never before. 36 years since father Michael seized the first match of British and Irish Lions series with a display of fly half mastery, his son will take on the tourists after earning an unlikely election to No 10. It is hard to describe this as anything other than an exceptionally gutsy call by Joe Schmidt, the Australia head coach, for the opening Test in Brisbane. Of course, these circumstances have rather been forced upon him: Noah Lolesio's desperately disappointing injury against Fiji has ruled him out of the series, while Carter Gordon, made king by a previous regime ahead of the 2023 World Cup, has swapped codes to the NRL. But the safer play from the Wallabies boss surely would have been to turn to Ben Donaldson after a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign, or to James O'Connor after his surprise recall – the veteran has experience of being a surprise choice at fly half in a Lions series from 2013. But Schmidt has perhaps recognised that this is a time to gamble. And gamble he has. Lynagh is just 22; he has worn Wallaby green and gold at international level for exactly one hour, and did not even travel on the European tour in November. He has not had a hit-out at all since 6 June, an encounter with the Crusaders that ended prematurely after concussion. Yet in a series that may prove crucial to the future of Australian rugby, Schmidt has placed a bet on pedigree and potential. The head coach is a noted schemer but it would be fair to say that he has looked like a mathematician searching for a solution to an equation he has not fully grasped in the two weeks since Lolesio's injury. O'Connor – who probably should have been in the initial squad for the Fiji game – was scrambled in at short notice and informed of his selection after a chance encounter with a group of squadmates in Brisbane, while the failure to give Lynagh a run in any of the pre-Test series matches looks a major misstep in retrospect. But there is much in the make-up of the young playmaker to suggest that he might just rise to the challenge in front of him. The progeny of many a sporting great have had a golden path paved for them – consciously or unconsciously – by their parent but Lynagh has fought to forge his own journey. Like brother Louis, the 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 relocated to England, where the elder two of three sons took up the game in the minis section at Richmond RFC, with Tom going on to Epsom College and the Harlequins academy. Where most would have been content to remain on a travelator to the top in leafy southwest London, a then 17-year-old Tom had other ideas, declaring an ambition to move in with his grandparents in Queensland to pursue an Australian dream in the depths of the pandemic. In a different world, perhaps he might have remained at Quins and been jostling for position behind Marcus Smith; now, with the English fly half expected to be named on the Lions' bench, the pair could come into direct opposition. In a way, the move away from London has perhaps helped temper certain expectations that might have been placed on Lynagh within an English game that can build a fly half up just as quickly as it can dress them down. Despite the famous name, the Australian public will not necessarily have been monitoring his progress that closely – until now. 'I'm really excited for Tom,' Schmidt said. 'He's got a quiet confidence about him, which gives us a quiet confidence. He's fitted in really well this week. He has given us the confidence and the players the confidence that he is going to run the game really well for us. His kicking game is strong, he's got good acceleration and he's really brave. 'It's Suncorp [Stadium], it's his home track, it's a fantastic opportunity for him. We twice had him lined up for his first start last year and he picked up little niggles. It's probably not ideal to be starting your first Test for the Wallabies against the British and Irish Lions, but you've got to start somewhere. It not now, when?' As Schmidt mentioned, Lynagh does have familiarity with Suncorp Stadium, if not overwhelmingly so with the players around him. It is a slight surprise to see scrum half Jake Gordon preferred to Lynagh's fellow Red Tate McDermott after an injury hit season; connecting quickly with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key. Up front, Rob Valetini and Will Skelton are significant injury absentees with debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny completing the back row alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies as the curtain comes up in Brisbane – and after a surprise casting in the starring role, the spotlight will fix on one man. Wallabies XV to face the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane (Saturday 19 July, 11am BST): 1 James Slipper, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Independent
Who is Tom Lynagh? Son of Australian great Michael given surprise start for Wallabies against British and Irish Lions
Being a Wallabies fly half hopeful with his surname has seen plenty of pressure already put upon his slender shoulders, but for Tom Lynagh, the twin burdens of hope and expectation are about to be ladened like never before. 36 years since father Michael seized the first match of British and Irish Lions series with a display of fly half mastery, his son will take on the tourists after earning an unlikely election to No 10. It is hard to describe this as anything other than an exceptionally gutsy call by Joe Schmidt, the Australia head coach, for the opening Test in Brisbane. Of course, these circumstances have rather been forced upon him: Noah Lolesio's desperately disappointing injury against Fiji has ruled him out of the series, while Carter Gordon, made king by a previous regime ahead of the 2023 World Cup, has swapped codes to the NRL. But the safer play from the Wallabies boss surely would have been to turn to Ben Donaldson after a strong Super Rugby Pacific campaign, or to James O'Connor after his surprise recall – the veteran has experience of being a surprise choice at fly half in a Lions series from 2013. But Schmidt has perhaps recognised that this is a time to gamble. And gamble he has. Lynagh is just 22; he has worn Wallaby green and gold at international level for exactly one hour, and did not even travel on the European tour in November. He has not had a hit-out at all since 6 June, an encounter with the Crusaders that ended prematurely after concussion. Yet in a series that may prove crucial to the future of Australian rugby, Schmidt has placed a bet on pedigree and potential. The head coach is a noted schemer but it would be fair to say that he has looked like a mathematician searching for a solution to an equation he has not fully grasped in the two weeks since Lolesio's injury. O'Connor – who probably should have been in the initial squad for the Fiji game – was scrambled in at short notice and informed of his selection after a chance encounter with a group of squadmates in Brisbane, while the failure to give Lynagh a run in any of the pre-Test series matches looks a major misstep in retrospect. But there is much in the make-up of the young playmaker to suggest that he might just rise to the challenge in front of him. The progeny of many a sporting great have had a golden path paved for them – consciously or unconsciously – by their parent but Lynagh has fought to forge his own journey. Like brother Louis, the 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 relocated to England, where the elder two of three sons took up the game in the minis section at Richmond RFC, with Tom going on to Epsom College and the Harlequins academy. Where most would have been content to remain on a travelator to the top in leafy southwest London, a then 17-year-old Tom had other ideas, declaring an ambition to move in with his grandparents in Queensland to pursue an Australian dream in the depths of the pandemic. In a different world, perhaps he might have remained at Quins and been jostling for position behind Marcus Smith; now, with the English fly half expected to be named on the Lions' bench, the pair could come into direct opposition. In a way, the move away from London has perhaps helped temper certain expectations that might have been placed on Lynagh within an English game that can build a fly half up just as quickly as it can dress them down. Despite the famous name, the Australian public will not necessarily have been monitoring his progress that closely – until now. He will at least have familiarity with Suncorp Stadium, if not overwhelmingly so with those around him. It is a slight surprise to see scrum half Jake Gordon preferred to Lynagh's fellow Red Tate McDermott after an injury hit season; connecting quickly with Len Ikitau and Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be key. Up front, Rob Valetini is a significant injury absentee with debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny completing the back row alongside Fraser McReight and Harry Wilson, while Will Skelton misses out entirely. A fast start is surely a must for the Wallabies as the curtain comes up in Brisbane – and after a surprise casting in the starring role, the spotlight will fix on one man. Wallabies XV to face the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane (Saturday 19 July, 11am BST): 1 James Slipper, 2 Matt Faessler, 3 Allan Alaalatoa; 4 Nick Frost, 5 Jeremy Williams; 6 Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7 Fraser McReight, 8 Harry Wilson (capt.); 9 Jake Gordon, 10 Tom Lynagh; 11 Harry Potter, 12 Len Ikitau, 13 Joseph Aukuso-Suaalii, 14 Max Jorgensen; 15 Tom Wright.
