Tom Lynagh’s Wallabies return will come under close scrutiny when Queensland face the Western Force at Ballymore, with coach Les Kiss weighing up his options at fly-half after Carter Gordon’s broken leg.
Lynagh is expected to play 40 minutes for the Reds, provided he comes through his latest comeback unscathed. He will line up against Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in a contest that could help determine who joins the Wallabies squad for Tests against South Africa and New Zealand.
Kiss must name an updated squad on Monday, with Gordon’s injury leaving Australia short of options at No.10. Ben Donaldson and Declan Meredith are already in the squad, but neither has established himself as the clear first choice this year.
James O’Connor and Bernard Foley remain experienced alternatives, although neither has trained in a team environment for several months. Noah Lolesio is unavailable for the October Tests under the international regulations, while Tane Edmed has slipped down the pecking order despite making 10 Test appearances last year.
McLaughlin-Phillips, who was called into the Wallabies squad last month, is viewed as a developing running fly-half. Lynagh, however, is regarded as a potential solution to a position that has continued to trouble Australia.
Tom Lynagh’s Wallabies return rests on fitness
The 23-year-old has played only 17 minutes this year after a succession of soft-tissue injuries. His problems date back to a hamstring tear suffered while playing for the Wallabies against Argentina last year, followed by repeated soleus injuries during the Super Rugby season.
Lynagh was left out of Australia’s spring tour to give him time to build strength and resilience. He added five kilograms of muscle, but further calf setbacks repeatedly delayed his return.
His lengthy absence and limited public information about his condition prompted speculation that he no longer wanted to play rugby. That suggestion was dismissed by his decision to re-sign with Queensland in May, while the Reds adopted a cautious conditioning programme designed to help him withstand full matches and a complete season.
Although Lynagh is regarded as a fearless competitor in matches, his vulnerability in training has become a concern. He has often been alert to minor physical problems, sat out sessions and struggled to complete a full week of preparation, a significant obstacle under former Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt’s selection demands.
Australia’s forwards have improved this year, but their backline performances and game management have been less convincing. The team’s exits from its own half have often been poor, while its direction has become increasingly uncertain as Tests have progressed.
At his best, Lynagh offers a strong kicking game, authority and composure as a decision-maker. Those qualities could make him more than a temporary replacement for Gordon if he can finally remain fit.
Vern Cotter, Queensland’s new coach, said: “I’m really enjoying Tom in a playmaker role and a decision-maker within the team. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He sees the game well. He’s calm and decisive, so I’m looking forward to having him run the game for us.”
Cotter said Lynagh would be handled carefully against the Force, with the Reds assessing how he responds after his planned 40-minute appearance. His performance, and more importantly his fitness afterwards, could shape the Wallabies’ next move at fly-half.
