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Reds make Tom Lynagh selection call ahead of Super Rugby AUS opener
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Queensland Reds fly-half Tom Lynagh has been named to return via the starting side in the team’s Super Rugby AUS opener against the Western Force, with coach Vern Cotter selecting a side that boasts Test and Super Rugby Pacific experience.
Injuries limited Lynagh to just 17 minutes of playing time during the recent Super Rugby season, with the playmaker coming off the bench in a defeat to eventual champions the Hurricanes in Wellington on March 28.
But the capped Wallaby, who started all three Tests against the British & Irish Lions last year, will take the field on Saturday afternoon. The Reds host the Force at Brisbane’s Ballymore Stadium, kicking off at 1:30 pm AEST.
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Lynagh, hooker Matt Faessler and centre Josh Flook add invaluable international-level experience to the side as capped Wallabies in the run-on side. The Reds will be captained for the first time by winger Lachlan Anderson, who joins Tim Ryan and Will McCulloch in the back three.
“It’s exciting. I’ve been working with the team for two weeks now. Quite often, pre-season is about working without a reference point but we get one with this game,” new Reds Head Coach Vern Cotter said.
“It’s one for us as coaches as well against a good side.
“I’m really enjoying Tom in a playmaker role. He’s got a great head on his shoulders. He sees the game well. He’s calm and decisive.
“With the niggles he has had, we will probably be a bit careful with him so it probably won’t be 80 minutes but certainly a good 40 minutes to start with.
“Lachie Anderson will have a big role in leading as well. He’s a natural leader. He’s a charismatic personality and I think he federates people which is what leaders have to do.
“A competition like this is about opportunities and players taking theirs to show their wares.”
Lynagh will link up with Mosiah Christian in the halves, while Josh Takai combines with Brothers teammate Flook in the midfield. In the forwards, there are three Brothers products named in the pack.
George Blake packs down alongside Nick Bloomfield and Faessler up front, while the Brothers duo of Will Ross and Charlie Brosnan are the two locks. Tom Robinson and John Bryant line up on the flanks, with Joe Brial starting at No. 8.
Queensland Reds to take on Western Force
1. George Blake – Bond University
2. Matt Faessler – Brothers
3. Nick Bloomfield – Easts
4. Will Ross – Brothers
5. Charlie Brosnan – Brothers
6. Tom Robinson – University of Queensland
7. John Bryant – Souths
8. Joe Brial – University of Queensland
9. Mosiah Christian – Norths
10. Tom Lynagh – University of Queensland
11. Tim Ryan – Brothers
12. Josh Takai – Brothers
13. Josh Flook – Brothers
14. Lachie Anderson (c) – University of Queensland
15. Will McCulloch – Norths
Replacements
16. Zac Hough – University of Queensland
17. Harrison Usher – Bond University
18. Zane Nonggorr – Bond University
19. Kenny Harris – Bond University
20. Vaiuta Latu – Brothers
21. Cooper Stewart – University of Queensland
22. Ben Volavola – Sunnybank
23. Jake Pappin – Easts
24. Trevor King – Souths
25. Jock Campbell – University of Queensland
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