Tom Lynagh dropped to Queensland Reds bench despite man-of-the-match performance

Queensland Reds coach Les Kiss has made a surprising selection decision for his team’s clash with Fijian Drua in Suva.

Despite his man-of-the-match Anzac Day performance against the Blues, Reds star Tom Lynagh has been dropped to the bench for Queensland’s Super Rugby Pacific clash with Fijian Drua in Suva on Saturday.

Flyhalf Lynagh, 22, was awarded the Sellars Dixon Medal for his best-on-ground display, which included two tries, in the Reds’ 35-21 win over the Auckland-based Blues at Suncorp Stadium last Friday night.

However, Reds coach Les Kiss will leave Lynagh out of his starting line-up this weekend, instead opting for 21-year-old Harry McLaughlin-Phillips in the No.10 jersey.

Kiss said the surprising selection decision was part of “managing” the pair.

“It’s great to be able to call on Harry,” the Reds coach said.

“He did a fantastic job as a starter against the Chiefs (in Queensland’s 27-15 loss on April 4).

“Between Harry and Tom, we’ve got two good 10s. We said at the beginning of the year we would back both these young fellows and they are going sensationally well in the way they are growing.

“Tom will make his impact from the bench. It’s an important position and we are continuing to manage them.”

Harry McLaughlin-Phillips will start at flyhalf for the Reds on Saturday in Suva. Picture: Joe Allison/Getty Images

Kiss has also made changes to his forward pack, with locks Ryan Smith and Angus Blyth to start ahead of Josh Canham and Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, who will come off the bench.

“We have great strength and depth in this position and locks who get through a power of work,” he said.

“We know the importance of sustaining this for the full 80 minutes against a team like the Drua with the threats they possess.
“The boys lifted (against the Blues) and really focused on the things that matter. It is up to us to continue the momentum into Fiji this weekend.”

Fiji-born Reds flanker Seru Uru said he was “always excited to go back to the homeland” to play against the Drua.

“For me, it’s always a special moment,” Uru said.

“It’s the only time that family get to watch me close up because it’s watching me behind a screen otherwise.

“We are well prepared as a team and looking forward to the game.”

Reds: Sef Fa’agase, Richie Asiata, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Angus Blyth, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Joe Brial, Tate McDermott, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Dre Pakeho, Lachie Anderson, Jock Campbell. Bench: Max Craig, Alex Hodgman, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Josh Canham, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Heremaia Murray.

Originally published as Tom Lynagh dropped to Queensland Reds bench despite man-of-the-match performance