Lynagh-O’Connor reunion firms as Wallabies’ plan for Lions boilover

Leading Wallabies five-eighth contender Tom Lynagh has thrown his support behind James O’Connor earning a shock Test recall, as he shed light on the mentorship role he played that inspired his own career-best form.

Reds star Lynagh has emerged as a chance of claiming Australia’s No.10 jumper for the British and Irish Lions tour, having developed a strong running game to complement his booming boot, and has Queensland on the cusp of a top-four Super Rugby finals berth.

Lynagh earned his maiden four international caps off the bench last year, as O’Connor – the Wallabies’ playmaker on the Lions’ triumphant tour 12 years ago – worked with him behind the scenes.

James O’Connor has been impressive off the bench for the Crusaders.Credit: Getty Images

“A lot of it was on game management and how to go about playing different situations in the game,” Lynagh said.

“You’d ask him a question, and he’d give you an answer for about five minutes, so he’s obviously very knowledgeable, and he ran through every single situation possible.”

O’Connor moved to the Crusaders this season, helping the 14-time Super Rugby champions to second on the ladder with a decisive try against the Hurricanes and penalty goal after the siren against the Blues.

Lynagh, who came on as a substitute in Queensland’s 36-33 defeat to the Drua in Fiji, believes the task has become almost a specialised position.

He said O’Connor’s composure and adaptability under pressure presented a compelling case to earn his 65th-Test cap – and first since 2022.

“He’s playing at a high level over in New Zealand, and the Crusaders are going really well, so I don’t see why his name wouldn’t be up for selection,” Lynagh said.

“He sent me a message the other week, so it was nice to get in contact with him again, and it’ll be nice to pick his brain a little bit about what he’s learnt in the New Zealand system.

Tom Lynagh’s impressive form for the Reds has him placed as a strong contender to unseat incumbent Wallabies five-eighth Noah Lolesio.Credit: Getty Images

“It is a tough role [off the bench], you’ve got to play the situation you’re in. You play through scenarios when you’re on the bench as to what situation you might find yourself in.

“We went up a couple of tries, then went down a couple of tries, so everything changes in your head about how you go about playing the game. It’s definitely a tough position to come on and get up to speed and adjust.”

As the five-eighth battle intensifies heading into the Super Rugby finals series, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt revealed he had already spoken to O’Connor.

He said if a shootout ensued between Lynagh and Noah Lolesio - who is headed to Japanese rugby next year - those who had pledged their commitment to Australia would be preferred.

“If there are close calls, we’re going to favour the guys who have committed their future to Rugby Australia … trying to get that transition from not just this pinnacle event of the British and Irish Lions but also springboarding on the back of that into 2027 with the Rugby World Cup,” Schmidt said.

“I talked to James and we had a really good chat. He’s still playing in our local comp, he’s not based currently in Australia, but I don’t think that precludes him.

“I think he’s a little bit closer to home, and I think to continue to challenge himself he took the Crusaders opportunity. At the Reds, you’ve got Tom Lynagh and Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, and they’re a couple of guys really on the upswing.

“James would bring experience into the group, a little bit of versatility. With all those players, it’s nice to have an experienced head.”

Queensland’s forthcoming clash with the Waratahs on Friday night will be a huge test of Lynagh’s Wallabies credentials.

Despite his desire to claim the five-eighth duties for the Lions tour, he insisted his focus was on delivering success to Ballymore.

“It’s obviously a bit weird having all these headlines about me, but I don’t read any of them or too much into it – I’m just doing my job,” Lynagh said.

“Sometimes I find myself in the right spot at the right time, but ... I focus on the task at hand. I don’t really worry about anything that happens off the field.”

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