Injury clouds clear as Tom Lynagh cleared for Pumas rematch

The Wallabies have received a big boost ahead of their Rugby Championship rematch against Argentina in Sydney, with flyhalf Tom Lynagh cleared of concussion.

There was confusion over the young playmaker following Australia’s last-gasp victory over the Pumas in Townsville, where Lynagh was replaced by James O’Connor.

The veteran piloted the home side to a 28-24 comeback win six minutes into injury time.

Lynagh left the field in the second half with hamstring tightness and also underwent a head injury assessment (HIA) with coach Joe Schmidt saying post-match he had failed and would not be available for this Saturday afternoon’s sold-out second Test against Argentina.

The 22-year-old Reds No.10 had already suffered three concussions this year through Test matches and Super Rugby Pacific.

However, the Wallabies later issued a statement that Lynagh had passed an HIA2 test and would undergo further evaluation.

This was updated on Monday morning, with the 22-year-old also passing an HIA3 test with both “presenting as normal”.

“At no point did he ever have concussion symptoms despite the result of the HIA1 being off his baseline – which could have been due to other factors at the time,” the Wallabies posted on social media.

“Tom is therefore cleared of concussion and is continuing to be monitored for the tight hamstring that forced him from the field on Saturday.”

Lynagh made his first three starts for the Wallabies in the British and Irish Lions series in July and August but missed the Rugby Championship matches in South Africa after a high shot by Dan Sheehan in the third Lions Test.

O’Connor wore the No.10 jersey in both Tests against the Springboks before his impressive stint off the bench against Argentina.

The Wallabies’ play-making stocks are dwindling with Noah Lolesio (neck) a long-term absentee, while Ben Donaldson has been battling an adductor injury.

O’Connor will remain with the squad for Saturday’s Test at Allianz Stadium but could then be forced to depart for club duties after signing with Leicester in England.

Inside centre Len Ikitau said the recall of 35-year-old O’Connor after almost a three year absence had been hugely beneficial for younger members of the squad and he hoped he could delay his overseas move.

“Having Rabs (O’Connor) has been awesome,” said Ikitau.

“It was kind of like QC (Quade Cooper) when he came in, in ’21 – just that older head that knows a lot, brings a lot of experience into the group.

“He’s been awesome for us, especially over the last couple of weeks.

“I sent him a message and told him that he’s leaving when I’m leaving.”

Head-to-Head

Last 5 Meetings

Wins

2

Draws

1

Wins

2

Average Points scored

27

34

First try wins

40%

Home team wins

40%

Ikitau, who was a star for the Wallabies against the Pumas alongside his centre partner Joseph-Akuso Suaalii, said the team’s approach wouldn’t change regardless of who was the starting flyhalf.

“No, I don’t think anything changes for us. The 10 that Joe (Schmidt) picks has a job to do and their job is to lead the boys around,” he said.

“For me, it’s being able to help. If it’s Tommy (Lynagh) or if it’s Donners (Ben Donaldson), then it’s just being able to be that second point of being that person to guide the younger boys around.

“If it’s James O’Connor, then I guess I’ve just got to listen to him.”