Tom Lynagh: Three reasons why Brad Thorn will consider James O’Connor shift at Queensland Reds
Queensland coach Brad Thorn will explore returning James O’Connor at a new position after son of a gun rookie Tom Lynagh impressed on debut. Read Thorn’s reasons why:
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All Blacks flanker Ardie Savea could scarcely believe it as he lay on the ground, cut down from below by a teenage debutant 10 years and 30kg his junior.
Savea had Reds rookie Tom Lynagh in his sights when he busted through the Queensland defensive line, visions of trampling the 19-year-old on his way to a 60m runaway try at Queensland Country Bank Stadium racing through his mind.
It didn’t pan out that way as Lynagh, in his 13th minute as a professional rugby player, chopped the reigning All Blacks player of the year down at the knee, creating an opportunity for a try-saving turnover.
“It happened so quick - he actually hit me,” Savea said.
“I briefly chatted to him after the game and congratulated him on his performance. He took control in that first 10 to 20 minutes.”
It was one of several impressive moments in a tidy debut from the son of the Wallabies’ all-time leading pointscorer, Michael Lynagh that have led coach Brad Thorn to reassess his flyhalf pecking order this week.
There were shades of ‘Noddy’ on show as Lynagh junior split the uprights on three perfect goals, including a sideline effort that would have challenged kickers of any code or country in the 29th minute.
Moments earlier Lynagh flashed both skill and physicality when he reeled in a bouncing ball one-handed then spun out of the grip of three Hurricanes, including Savea, impressing coach Brad Thorn.
Reds co-captain Tate McDermott said Lynagh had done all that was asked of him.
“He was really impressive,” McDermott said. “I thought he had a ripper game, put his body on the line. For someone that young being this courageous in this environment, my hat goes off to him.”
Thorn said Lynagh had earned consideration for next week, with the team to explore playing returning flyhalf James O’Connor at inside centre or fullback.
“We’ll look at all that this week,” Thorn confirmed.
“James is trying to get right to play and we’ve got different guys like Jock Campbell but we’ll look at that.
“Isaac Henry was strong tonight (but) we’ll look at that and see what suits our next opponent (Western Force) best.”
‘HE’S READY’: SON OF A GUN TOM LYNAGH PRIMED FOR BIG REDS DEBUT
- Nic Darveniza, 25 February
Queensland will blood the son of Wallabies World Cup winning flyhalf Michael Lynagh in the same jersey his father once wore in Saturday’s Super Rugby Pacific season opener in Townsville.
Teenager Tom Lynagh will be unmissable on the field not least because he has inherited the blonde locks that became his father’s calling card over 11 seasons with the Wallabies.
The young playmaker has been given the most important assignment on the field as Queensland’s primary kicker in a match set to be dictated by a field position battle.
Minor injuries to starting flyhalf James O’Connor and deputy Jock Campbell have opened the door to a rugby time machine as Lynagh, 19, steps up to take on the Hurricanes.
Coach Brad Thorn and Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott insist the shotcaller is ready for the biggest assignment of his young career.
“He’s ready, 100 per cent, and he’s proven that every time he’s played in the Queensland jersey,” McDermott declared.
“He hasn’t had too many opportunities, a trial last year and two trials this year, but there’s no pressure on him. Tommy has players all around him that can take that pressure off him.
“All I need to see from Tommy is his kicking game, which is his strength, and then just the confidence he brought to the trials.
“We’ve got a job to do for Queensland and I’m really excited to see what he brings.”
Thorn said Lynagh had earned this opportunity through Queensland’s trials against Panasonic Wild Knights and the Waratahs and hoped it was the start of a long Queensland career.
“Every year there are one or two (debutants) who usually come through and it’s always exciting,” Thorn said.
“Young Tom Lynagh gets a crack at No.10 there and he’s worked hard over pre-season. We just want him to go out there and do his job and enjoy competing hard.”
Lynagh has all the skills. A strong kicking game, attributed in part to his upbringing in English rugby, footwork and speed make for a compelling package.
Best of all, to Thorn, is a quiet demeanour to match the former All Black’s own.
“He’s a quieter guy, which you like, but there’s a confidence there as well,” Thorn added.
“He’ll put his body on the line but there’s no pressure on Tom inside our system. He does his job and for him, it’s to enjoy the experience and get a taste of this level.”
Thorn backed the presence of McDermott inside Lynagh to help his transition from club football to a duel with a fearsome Hurricanes forward pack led by All Blacks backrower Ardie Savea.
“That sort of thing always helps. Tatey debuted about five years ago and he’s like a 19 year old as well. He knows how it feels and Tom’s got a little connection there with him and Isaac Henry which we’re hoping will build over the season.”
Thorn said all indications pointed to O’Connor, Campbell and Suliasi Vunivalu being available for selection for Super Rugby in Melbourne next weekend.
Originally published as Tom Lynagh: Three reasons why Brad Thorn will consider James O’Connor shift at Queensland Reds
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