‘We had to move on’: McDermott on key Wallabies selection for Lions Test

Wallabies halfback Tate McDermott would back Tom Lynagh to step up as a key game-driver this weekend against the British & Irish Lions. It’s since been reported by The Roar that Lynagh is set to start at fly-half in the Lions Series opener at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium.

McDermott didn’t give anything away in terms of selection, with the Queensland Reds skipper confident that either Ben Donaldson or Lynagh would step up if called upon. James O’Connor is another option, with the Super Rugby Pacific winner replacing Noah Lolesio in the squad.

Lolesio has started practically every Test in the No. 10 during Joe Schmidt’s coaching reign, but the playmaker has been ruled out of the Lions Series with a devastating injury, having left the match against Fiji in Newcastle on a stretcher.

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Schmidt provided a positive update on Lolesio after the dramatic 21-18 win but the fly-half later returned to hospital for surgery, and will now spend some time away from the sport. Lolesio’s absence opened the door for O’Connor’s return, after the veteran impressed for the Crusaders.

“Obviously gutted for Noah. Events like this don’t happen all the time. Unfortunately he misses out due to injury but the team’s rallied around him,” McDermott told reporters.

“Then we had to move on. Really happy for someone like James O’Connor, played a lot of footy with him, to come back in and it’s a long time since he’s played the Lions.

“To have him there to even be in Donno and Tom Lynagh’s ear has been huge for them. We’ll back whoever steps into that role.

“Noah’s done a great job for us in the past there and whoever gets that first crack is just gonna give it a red-hot crack, that’s for sure.”

The Roar’s Christy Doran reported on Tuesday afternoon that four-Test Wallaby Lynagh is set to start against the Lions. Lynagh hasn’t worn the No. 10 jersey at Test level before, coming off the bench in all four appearances last year.

Lynagh debuted for the Wallabies in a win over Wales last July, before also providing impact off the pine in Rugby Championship Tests against South Africa, Argentina and New Zealand. The Queensland Reds playmaker was also selected for the Australia XV to take on England A.

“I’ve played a lot of footy with Tommy as well, particularly recently, and his development over the last 12 months has been fantastic,” McDermott told reporters.

“The way he steered around the Reds side this year is true credit to all the work he’s done and all the work that he’s had put into him as well.

“Whoever gets that first crack… Donno’s obviously an experienced player, he’s been to World Cups and whatnot.

“There’s a number of options that are in our pockets and it’s going to be exciting to see who gets that first nod.”