Fly-half Tom Lynagh will follow in the footsteps of his father and Wallabies icon Michael when he starts for Australia in Saturday’s first Test against The British and Irish Lions in Brisbane.
With first choice No.10 Noah Lolesio injured during the 21-18 win over Fiji earlier this month, Lynagh will mirror his father in pulling on the gold jersey, 36 years on from when Michael played in the 1989 Series, which the Lions won 2-1.
It marks a baptism of fire for the Queensland Reds fly-half but Australia head coach Joe Schmidt has backed the 22-year-old to thrive under the spotlight.
“He may not seem like he’s designed to run a game and dictate what’s happening but he has a quiet confidence that gives us a quiet confidence,” Schmidt said.
“He’s fitted in really well and given us the confidence he’s going to run the game really well.
“It’s Suncorp Stadium, it’s his home track and it’s a fantastic opportunity.
“It’s not ideal to be starting your first Test match for the Wallabies against the Lions but if not now when? You have got to start somewhere.”
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Lynagh is one of four changes made by Australia head coach Joe Schmidt to the matchday 23 that got past Fiji, with blindside flanker and debutant Nick Champion de Crespigny coming in for the unavailable Rob Valetini.
Number eight Harry Wilson will captain the side, with regular skipper Will Skelton also injured.
Hooker Matt Faessler returns to take on the Lions for the second time in as many weeks after featuring for the Reds during their 52-12 defeat on July 2.
He is joined in the front row by Allan Alaalatoa and Test record holder James Slipper, who also faced the Lions in 2013.
Cross-code sensation Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i mans the midfield alongside Len Ikitau, with Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen on the wings and Tom Wright at fullback.
Schimdt added: “The whole squad has worked hard as a group to prepare for what’s going to a massive challenge against an in-form Lions team.
“With the short runway leading up to such a big Test match, we know we must adapt fast and improve quickly, from the performance we had against Fiji recently.
“We’re very much aware of the occasion and conscious of earning the support from the public through the effort they see on the field.”
The Wallabies v The British & Irish Lions
Suncorp Stadium, Saturday 19th July, 2025, KO: 11:00 BST
Australia: 15. Tom Wright, 14. Max Jorgensen, 13. Joseph-Aukuso Sua’ali’i, 12. Len Ikitau, 11. Harry Potter, 10. Tom Lynagh, 9. Jake Gordon, 1. James Slipper, 2. Matt Faessler, 3. Allan Alaalatoa, 4. Nick Frost, 5. Jeremy Williams, 6. Nick Champion de Crespigny, 7. Fraser McReight, 8. Harry Wilson
Replacements: 16. Billy Pollard, 17. Angus Bell, 18. Tom Robertson, 19. Tom Hooper, 20. Carlo Tizzano, 21. Tate McDermott, 22. Ben Donaldson, 23. Andrew Kellaway
