Former Wallabies player Cameron Shepherd has expressed worries over coach Joe Schmidt’s choice to start flyhalf Tom Lynagh against the British and Irish Lions in his first Test match this Saturday. Schmidt recently announced that Lynagh had beaten out Ben Donaldson and James O’Connor for the starting No. 10 position at Suncorp Stadium. This selection will make Lynagh the first son to follow in his father’s footsteps, as his father, Michael Lynagh, played against the Lions in 1989.
While Tom Lynagh has shown promise with three Test appearances, Shepherd highlights the significant challenge he faces, noting his relative lack of international experience. He acknowledges Lynagh’s talent but raises concerns about his readiness to tackle a formidable opponent like the Lions. Shepherd had anticipated that Donaldson would step into the starting role, especially given his involvement in a recent warm-up match against Fiji.
Despite his concerns, Shepherd encourages Schmidt to commit to Lynagh throughout the series, regardless of the outcome in Brisbane. He believes that consistent selection could bolster Lynagh’s confidence, which is crucial for his development.
Former Wallabies captain Michael Hooper shares similar sentiments, pointing out Lynagh’s limited training due to recent injuries. While he supports the decision to give Lynagh a chance, he emphasizes the importance of team cohesion and the potential pitfalls of making drastic changes if the initial game doesn’t go well. Hooper commends Schmidt’s coaching abilities and trusts that he sees something special in Lynagh that could benefit the team, despite the uncertainties surrounding his preparation.
Overall, while the decision to start Lynagh raises valid concerns due to his inexperience, both Shepherd and Hooper advocate for patience and stability as the Wallabies aim to build a strong foundation for the series against the Lions.