But while the Queensland Reds five-eighth admits a standout finals’ showing against the Chiefs could thrust him into the mix,he refuses to allow such speculation cloud him from the task ahead.
Tom Lynagh has risen from Queensland Reds rookie to Wallabies contender.Getty
“We’ve got to focus on finals first and not worry about what’s coming after that. We need to keep on the task at hand and not think about the stuff after it,” Lynagh tells this masthead.
“Finals is a different beast,you play well in that you’re putting your hand up. But I don’t worry about any of that stuff outside the Reds.”
Lynagh came into the Super Rugby Pacific campaign with just five caps to his name,the last of which was his side’s 2023 quarterfinal defeat to the Chiefs in New Zealand.
Fate has a funny way of creating picture-perfect parallels. The 21-year-old will now don the No.10 jumper once again on Friday night,taking on the same Kiwi juggernaut who defeated them 29-20 under the same do-or-die circumstances.
But this is a very different Lynagh to the bright-eyed rookie of last year. Such has been his form in the Reds’ premiership tilt under coach Les Kiss,he was quick to garner
– and the now uncertain future of World Cup five-eighth Carter Gordon – could well ensure he battles Brumbies star Noah Lolesio for the playmaking duties against Wales.
Tom Lynagh has demonstrated a level of composure and courageous decision-making beyond his years.Getty
But Lynagh has become accomplished at tuning out external noise.
Growing up with his father,72-Test Wallabies great Michael Lynagh,was always going to come with some sort of expectation as he rose towards the elite.
Lynagh’s older brother,Harlequins and Italy winger Louis,became another family member for rugby pundits to strike comparisons to.
“From when I was 14 onwards,it was more compared to my brother really,nothing to my dad. It’s never affected me,” Lynagh said.
“I was able to ignore everything said about that,and I still do now. It doesn’t affect me at all,I’m myself,I don’t need to be compared to anyone.
“I didn’t really know what he accomplished until I was about 12 or 13,but I call him before and after every game,all throughout the week,and he’s been a big rock for me.”
Despite his attempts to distance himself from Wallabies talk,should Lynagh guide Queensland deep into the finals – beginning with a triumph across the ditch – he will no doubt firmly shoot to the forefront of the national conversation.
Even reflecting on the Reds’ last meeting with the Chiefs – a shock round three 25-19 win at Suncorp Stadium – Lynagh has consciously progressed into a more well-rounded threat.
Tom Lynagh kicks a conversionGetty
In those early season exchanges,he was often tasked with laying the foundations throughout the first hour of the contest,before rookie No.10 Harry McLaughlin-Phillips would join the fray and demonstrate his instinctive running game.
Now,however,Lynagh has proven he is more than a booming boot,having built his running game in a move designed to exploit the weapons in his backline.
His willingness to engage the defensive line,wear brutal hits,and open up space outside him has led to career-best seasons from the likes of Hunter Paisami and Josh Flook,as well as a breakout rookie season for Tim Ryan.
That skill has coincided with Queensland equal third for tries[66] and clean breaks[89],a transformation in their game that has Lynagh confident they can avenge the heartache they suffered this time last year.
“We were a completely different team and the style of footy too,so we went in last year with a plan and executed it well and came close,” Lynagh said.
“This year we’re a completely different team with multiple ways of winning.
“I feel pretty confident with the rest of my game,and it’s pretty well-rounded … I’m in a good spot.”