‘He's a psycho': Wallabies back debutant after injuries cause chaos for Lions opener
'He's a psycho,' flanker Fraser McReight said. 'He loves contact.'
The debutant in question is tough Force back-rower Nick Champion de Crespigny, who was a shock call-up to the Wallabies starting side after the Australian line-up was hit hard by injuries on the eve of the first Test in Brisbane on Saturday.
After 18 months of preparation, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt was forced to take several 11th-hour gambles after key forwards Valetini (calf), Will Skelton (calf) and Langi Gleeson (cork) were all ruled out of the Suncorp Stadium clash, along with main five-eighth Noah Lolesio.
Tom Lynagh was confirmed in the No.10 jersey for his starting debut, and just his fourth Test. De Crespigny, 28, was also rushed into the starting side for a maiden Test appearance, and halfback Jake Gordon and hooker Matt Faessler were recalled after lengthy injury absences this season. There was no room for Taniela Tupou on the bench, with Tom Robertson preferred.
Schmidt said Valetini and Skelton were 'right on the edge' of being available for selection, and may have played if it was a deciding Test. But a cautious approach was taken, and the pair would be ready to play next week.
'The risk you take if you put those guys out there and they're not quite ready … you might end up worse off,' Schmidt said.
Schmidt said he admired Lynagh's calm demeanour, deceptively strong kicking game and the fact he is 'brave, almost to a fault'.
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