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'I'm an easy target and I know that... it's just my job'
By AAP
The Wallabies have rallied around “easy target” Tom Lynagh, adamant he can manufacture a series comeback after a bruising welcome to the Test No.10 jersey.
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The 22-year-old son of former Wallabies great Michael started for the first time at flyhalf in Saturday’s 27-19 loss to the British and Irish Lions in Brisbane.
His team steamrolled in the first half, Lynagh was forced to play off the back foot as he scrambled, schemed and copped an inevitable defensive battering.
His kicking game was hit-and-miss and Lynagh had some threatening moments running at the line, but coach Joe Schmidt applauded his work, considering the dominance of the Lions’ pack.
“They targeted him through their big ball carriers and also targeted him in the air,” said scrumhalf and Queensland Reds teammate Tate McDermott, who shone as a second-half replacement.
“He communicated well, defended valiantly and he’s going to be in the firing line again.
“The boys have seen the warrior Tommy is.
“We know he has a great kicking game, but he showed fight and courage, which is really important from the general, and guys are going to look towards that in coming weeks.”
Smiling through the punishment, Lynagh has welcomed round two on July 26 in Melbourne, where the Wallabies must win to force a Sydney decider and stave off chatter of the first 3-0 win in the country since 1904.
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“It was always something I wanted to do, follow in my dad’s footsteps, so I’m sort of living the dream now,” he said, 36 years after his father wore the No.10 against the Lions.
UK-based Michael arrived in Brisbane on Friday night and caught up with his son on Saturday morning to deliver his usual message.
“Just keep it simple, don’t overplay your hand. That message never changed from when I was 13,” Tom said.
Lynagh came in for the injured Noah Lolesio, a regular starter at No.10 under Schmidt who is out with a long-term neck injury before shifting to Japan next season.
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The unflustered customer lived up to his reputation despite the grand stage and imposing challenge after just three Test appearances off the bench.
“No nerves … no point to prove, just go out and play my game,” he said.
“I’ve always sort of been like that, try to be as relaxed as possible.
“It’s part of the job; you’ve got to toughen up in games like that, can’t shy away from anything.
“My position, my build; I’m an easy target and I know that … it’s just my job.”
McDermott, who pressed his case to start ahead of Jake Gordon in Melbourne with a trademark darting try, said his team took plenty from their second-half performance.
“The belief was there the whole week, but might have been dented a bit after the way the Lions came out of the blocks,” he said.
“We can take a lot out of that second half, for sure, and we need do.
“We just need to continue to look at ways to get into games.”