Tom Lynagh recalled to Reds starting team for do-or-die contest against Chiefs

The Queensland Reds’ Super Rugby Pacific season is on the line against the Chiefs, and coach Brad Thorn has backed a young gun.

Tom Lynagh (right) will partner Tate McDermott in the halves for the Queensland Reds on Saturday. Picture: Evan Morgan

Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn believes recalled flyhalf Tom Lynagh will rise to the occasion of a Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final against the competition’s best team.

The 20-year-old son of Reds and Wallabies great Michael Lynagh is back in Queensland’s starting team for Saturday’s do-or-die affair with the Chiefs – who topped the table in convincing style – in Waikato.

Having started on the bench in the Reds’ embarrassing 41-17 loss to Fijian Drua last weekend, the younger Lynagh has been restored to the No.10 jersey following Thorn’s decision to move the experienced James O’Connor from flyhalf back to inside centre to cover the injury-enforced absence of Hunter Paisami (knee).

Thorn tipped both Lynagh and O’Connor to play crucial rules in a reshuffled Queensland backline.

Flyhalf Tom Lynagh is back in Queensland’s starting side. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“Tommy’s had a bit of a breakout year,” the Reds mentor said.

“You’ve seen him enjoy big moments. He’s really come along nicely, and James, probably what we’ve seen this year is he looks more comfortable at 12 (inside centre), and that bit of experience inside and outside with (halfback) Tate (McDermott) and James, that’s a positive for Tom.

“Also the form James has had when he’s played at 12, you’ve seen him enjoy his footy there.”

Thorn has also switched Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu as part of a backline overhaul.

Usual winger Daugunu has been moved to outside centre, with the versatile Flook going the other way.

“(Daugunu) brings that little bit of extra size there (in the centres), and power,” Thorn said.

“Josh Flook’s been outstanding. We know ‘Flooky’ will do a great job with his workrate and smarts on the wing as well.”

The Reds caused a huge upset last month when they beat the Chiefs 25-22 in New Plymouth.

It was the only loss of the regular season for the Chiefs, who paid the price for fielding an understrength side,

“They’ll be a whole ’nother level from the last time we played them,” said Thorn, who is a loss away from the end of his Reds tenure.

“They’re going to be a tough prospect. It’s quite a challenge in front of us and one we’re up for.”

Chiefs coach Clayton McMillan said the Reds were “deserved winners” the last time the teams met.

“Their tactical kicking game, ability to build high phase counts and greater desperation proved to be the difference,” McMillan said.

“Notwithstanding the challenge the Reds bring, we have focused on ourselves this week. Our players are at their best when they are clear on their roles and can play with freedom.”

Chiefs: Aidan Ross, Samisoni Taukai’aho, John Ryan, Brodie Retallick, Josh Lord, Samipeni Finau, Sam Cane, Luke Jacobson, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Rameka Poihipi, Anton Lienert-Brown, Emoni Narawa, Shaun Stevenson. Bench: Bradley Slater, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Pita Gus Sowakula, Cortez Ratima, Josh Ioane, Daniel Rona.

Reds: Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler, Sef Fa’agase, Angus Blyth, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Tate McDermott, Tom Lynagh, Josh Flook, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Suliasi Vunivalu, Jock Campbell, Bench: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Zane Nonggorr, Lopeti Faifua, Jake Upfield, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Taj Annan.