Master v apprentice: The Wallabies' great debate nears a verdict

The Age

2 days ago

This is a clash of master versus apprentice like Australian rugby has not seen in years, and right at the heart of the Wallabies' hopes of dismantling the British and Irish Lions.
On one side stands Tom Lynagh, the evolving five-eighth whose father Michael's legacy ensured expectations would always follow him.
On the other side awaits James O'Connor, the nation's last No.10 to battle the Lions, and who has developed a reputation in 2025 as a composed finisher off the bench.
He also happens to be the man who mentored Lynagh behind the scenes at Ballymore last year, although the 22-year-old admits he has not heard from him for weeks.
When Lynagh's Queensland Reds head to Christchurch to challenge O'Connor's Crusaders in the first week of the finals, more will be on the line than Wallabies caps.
Australian rugby has been crying out for Super Rugby success. The country's two clubs still with hope have stumbled at this stage – the Reds, three straight quarter-final exits, and the Brumbies, perennial semi-finalists.
Lynagh's task will be daunting. He's set to play 80 minutes, with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips ruled out with a concussion suffered on Saturday against the Fijian Drua.
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'You've seen how much of a professional he is,' Reds outside centre Josh Flook said.
'He's just improving week by week, he's getting more confident and his game management's increasing. Even just through the week how he's speaking up at meetings, it's a really cool thing, and we'll back him 100 per cent.'
Triumph across the ditch might mean more than ending the Reds' first week of the finals hoodoo.
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt has stated finals form would favour consideration at the selection table, while noting those who had committed to Australian rugby would be preferred in tight choices.
That puts Brumbies star Noah Lolesio, Schmidt's leading man in 2024, on the back foot, with the Gold Coast product headed for Japan. Should Lynagh orchestrate a finals shock in enemy territory, the jersey could be sealed.
'What I have seen [of Lynagh] is really positive,' Schmidt said. 'I think Tom is a really brave player, defensively he does a good job, and he's actually a lot better in the air than people would give him credit for.
'His kicking game is long enough, his passing game is efficient, and he's growing into a guy who can drive the game around the field. They're a lot of the aspects we would be looking for.'
Lynagh is confident he has the game to thrive in Wallabies colours.
He has developed a fierce running game to complement his booming boot – which inspired three of winger Lachie Anderson's four tries against the Drua – as his combination with Reds and Australia halfback Tate McDermott grows.
'The big thing about Tommy is he's strung multiple games together, which hasn't happened in the past,' McDermott said.
'He's controlled and led the side, which is not easy at his age.
'We can go into the Test arena together, 100 per cent, but in order to do that we have to be playing consistently good in the maroon jersey.
'I think we've only just started.'
And yet, Lynagh refused to think that far ahead.
'Obviously, the deeper you go [in finals] you've got a better opportunity and more time to show what you've got,' Lynagh said.
'But I want to take care of what we've got in front of us and stay present.'
In O'Connor's case, Schmidt has spoken to him about the prospect of an international swan song.
The 34-year-old's steady hand, direct kicking game and effective work off the tee has been, in part, responsible for the Crusaders' second-place finish.
O'Connor's Test return has the backing of former Wallabies skipper James Horwill, who waged war with the Lions alongside O'Connor in 2013 and declared: 'I'm sure he's in the mix'.
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Such has been O'Connor's proficiency in the closing minutes, a fast start will be crucial for the Reds.
This stage of the season has been a tipping point, but Lynagh declared the team was not the same as those that fell in the past.
'We've got belief to turn games around if things aren't going our way, and that's based on past experiences we've had as a team together,' Lynagh said.