Tom Lynagh grateful for the support he has received during series against British and Irish Lions

Tom Lynagh says he has been mindful not to ‘overplay his hand’ in his role as Australia’s flyhalf against the British and Irish Lions.

Tom Lynagh admits he wasn’t expecting to be Australia’s starting flyhalf during the Wallabies’ series against the British and Irish Lions, but says it has been a “seamless transition” from being on the bench to wearing the No.10 jersey.

The neck injury suffered by Noah Lolesio in the Wallabies’ 21-18 win over Fiji earlier this month opened the selection door for 22-year-old Lynagh, whose only previous experience for Australia had been three appearances off the bench.

And while he hasn’t been able to guide his nation to victory in his two starts against the Lions, Lynagh said he “done all right”, but hadn’t been entirely pleased with his goal-kicking.

He missed his only attempt on goal in Australia’s 27-19 first Test loss in Brisbane, and kicked four from six in the Lions’ series-clinching 29-26 win on last Saturday’s second Test in Melbourne.

Wallabies flyhalf Tom Lynagh (right) passes the ball during Australia’s loss to the British and Irish Lions at the MCG. Picture: David Rogers/Getty Images

“I’m a bit disappointed in my goalkicking so far,” Lynagh said.

“I feel like that’s let myself and the team down a bit, but in terms of the rest of it, it’s been good.

“I’m just playing part of the system, and just trying to do my role for the team, and not overplay my hand.
“I didn’t quite expect it, to be honest, but it has been great. The boys around me in the team have been great.

“It felt like a seamless transition really. They’ve given me a lot of confidence and so has (coach) Joe (Schmidt).”

Support for Lynagh has also come from his father, Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, who has flown to Australia from his England base to see his son in action.

“Dad’s been out here, and I’ve seen him quite a few times, which has been really nice,” Tom said.

Despite the three-Test series being out of Australia’s reach, Lynagh was confident the Wallabies could avoid being whitewashed by beating the Lions on Saturday night at Sydney’s Accor Stadium.

Tom Lynagh has started at flyhalf for the Wallabies in back-to-back Tests against the British and Irish Lions. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

“It would mean a lot for all of us, and everyone that has supported us throughout the series so far,” he said.

“We put in a good performance last week (at the MCG), and hopefully we can try to do the same, and get the result in the end.

“We know there are a lot of people supporting us, and a lot of people going out to the game, so we’d just like to try to give them something back.”

The Wallabies have suffered another injury blow, with winger Harry Potter (hamstring) being joined by prop Allan Alaalatoa (shoulder) on the sidelines.

Wallabies forward Jeremy Williams said Alaalatoa was a “massive part of the group”.

“We just wish him the best in his recovery and hopefully he’ll be back out there soon,” Williams said.

Those in contention to replace Alaalatoa in Australia’s starting line-up on Saturday night include Tom Robertson, Taniela Tupou and Zane Nonggorr.

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Originally published as Tom Lynagh grateful for the support he has received during series against British and Irish Lions