Tom Lynagh’s Wallabies starting debut so strong it gives fresh hope for Rugby World Cup glory

Thrown into the deep end for his run-on debut in the gold jersey, the son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh, Tom, had such a strong game in a beaten side it’s allowed some to dream of World Cup glory.

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One of the big silver linings from Australia’s 27-19 loss to the Lions in the Saturday’s first Test in Brisbane was the mature performance of young five-eighth Tom Lynagh.

Just 22 and thrown into the deep end for his first run-on performance in the gold jersey, Lynagh had a strong game in a beaten side, showing composure way beyond his years.

That won’t come as a surprise to anyone familiar with his surname because his father is of course Wallabies’ legend Michael Lynagh.

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Tom Lynagh impressed in his starting debut for the Wallabies. Picture: Getty Images

Proving that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, young Tom showed enough in his first start in the number 10 jersey to suggest the Wallabies may have finally found their new playmaker after experimenting with a variety of players in recent times.

“It’s a tough result to take, obviously, but a very special moment for not just myself, but the rest of the team,” Tom told Stan Sports in an on-field interview straight after the match ended.

“This series happens once every 12 years, so (it was) really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity so a very, very special feeling. Unfortunately, we didn’t get the result, but there’s still two games to go. So we’re going to give it everything.”

Born in Italy and raised in England, Tom always wanted to play for the Wallabies, just as his famous father did. So as soon as he finished high school, he packed up and moved to Queensland to join the Reds.

Tom Lynagh is smashed by British and Irish Lions' Tom Curry. Picture: AFP

Michael still lives and works in England but as soon he learnt his son was starting against the Lions, he hopped straight on a plane back and flew back to Australia, arriving on the eve of Saturday’s match.

“He just lets me do my thing. He tries not to get involved too much. I saw him for the first time in six months. It was nice to chat to him,” Tom said.

“I’m really glad he got here and had the opportunity to watch me in a Wallabies jersey. It means so much to me and I’m sure it means a lot to him too.

“He gave me a big hug. I’m trying not to tear up here. He was trying not to tear up when I saw him there. It’s a very special moment for us and the family, it means a lot to all of us.

“I always dreamt of playing for Australia, I’ve always dreamt of wearing this jersey and dreams come true.”

Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh with son Tom Lynagh, when he signed for the Reds back in 2021. Picture: NCA NewsWire

Michael Lynagh also played against the Lions, in the epic 1989 series. By emulating his dad, Tom’s selection saw them become the first father-son duo to both play Tests against the Lions in their 126 years history.

The Wallabies went on to lose the 1989 series winning the first match but landed a bigger fish two years later when they won the World Cup, with Michael one of Australia’s star players.

With the next World Cup taking place on Australian soil in 2027, Tom’s emergence could not be better timed because the Wallabies need a playmaker and he has inherited the same calmness his father had when he was calling the shots for the Wallabies.

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else really. This is something that I’ve always dreamt of being in this position,” Tom said.

“I don’t think we had anything to lose going into this game, we had to throw everything at it and we tried to.

“I’ve just got to stay composed, that’s my role on the field. If I’m frantic or screaming stuff then it’s all going to get a bit loose so I’ve got to be the most composed player on the field.”

Tom Lynagh showed great composure in his starting debut. Picture: Getty Images

The Wallabies’ coach Joe Schmidt is an admirer. He gambled on picking Tom to start the match and was impressed at the way he handled himself in the pressure-cooker atmosphere of a Lions Test.

“That was a tough debut but there’s no way he lacks courage,” Schmidt said.

“He made some really good tackles out there, carried the ball when he needed to, slipped through and got a nice offload away at one stage.

“I thought he kicked pretty well and found a bit of space in behind so very good from him.”

Originally published as Tom Lynagh’s Wallabies starting debut so strong it gives fresh hope for Rugby World Cup glory