Queensland Reds coach Brad Thorn believes recalled flyhalf Tom Lynagh will rise to the event of a Super Rugby Pacific quarter-final in opposition to the competitors’s finest crew.
The 20-year-old son of Reds and Wallabies nice Michael Lynagh is again in Queensland’s beginning crew for Saturday’s do-or-die affair with the Chiefs – who topped the desk in convincing model – in Waikato.
Having began on the bench within the Reds’ embarrassing 41-17 loss to Fijian Drua final weekend, the youthful Lynagh has been restored to the No.10 jersey following Thorn’s determination to maneuver the skilled James O’Connor from flyhalf again to inside centre to cowl the injury-enforced absence of Hunter Paisami (knee).
Thorn tipped each Lynagh and O’Connor to play essential guidelines in a reshuffled Queensland backline.
“Tommy’s had a bit of a breakout year,” the Reds mentor mentioned.
“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 additionally switched Josh Flook and Filipo Daugunu as a part of a backline overhaul.
Usual winger Daugunu has been moved to exterior centre, with the versatile Flook going the opposite approach.
“(Daugunu) brings that little bit of extra size there (in the centres), and power,” Thorn mentioned.
“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 prompted an enormous upset final month after they beat the Chiefs 25-22 in New Plymouth.
It was the one lack of the common season for the Chiefs, who paid the value for fielding an understrength aspect,
“They’ll be a whole ’nother level from the last time we played them,” mentioned Thorn, who’s a loss away from the tip 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 mentioned the Reds have been “deserved winners” the final time the groups met.
“Their tactical kicking game, ability to build high phase counts and greater desperation proved to be the difference,” McMillan mentioned.
“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.
Source: www.news.com.au
