Wallabies: Lynagh Starter, Crespigny Debut vs Lions in Brisbane

Wallabies Face Injury Challenges for First Test

BRISBANE – Bad luck with injuries continues to plague the Wallabies, forcing coach Joe Schmidt to make significant changes to the team that will face the British & Irish Lions. On Thursday, Schmidt confirmed the lineup for the first test in Brisbane on Saturday night. The starting team will not feature key players such as Rob Valetini and Noah Lolesio, in addition to the experienced Will Skelton and the promising Langi Gleeson. Gleeson suffered a hamstring strain during a training session this week, which opened an opportunity for Nick Champion de Crespigny to make his test debut. This Force back-row player has had a meteoric rise after starting his professional career in France. Alongside him will be Tom Lynagh, a young prospect from the Queensland Reds, who, in his fourth test and first start, will be in charge of leading the Wallabies on the field. Lynagh did not participate in Australia’s 21-18 victory over Fiji two weeks ago, but has been preferred in the starting team instead of Ben Donaldson due to Lolesio’s neck injury. Waratahs captain Jake Gordon returns from injury to play as number 9 alongside Lynagh.

The son of Wallabies legend Michael Lynagh has overcome injuries and head knocks in the last two years. However, his kicking game and defensive solidity are key factors as to why Schmidt has included him in the team. Lynagh’s success with goal kicks was an asset for the Reds this season, with an 87.9% success rate at the end of the regular season. Although this statistic was tempered by the Reds’ decision not to attempt penalties until the penultimate matchday of the competition. Schmidt has maintained the midfield and back combinations he used at Newcastle, where wingers Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen found space. Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii will be looking to have more impact than against Fiji, playing alongside Len Ikitau in the centers for the Wallabies. In the front row, James Slipper keeps his starting position as a loosehead prop, ahead of Angus Bell. Australia’s most-capped player will be alongside Allan Alaalatoa and hooker Matt Faessler. Nick Frost and Jeremy Williams remain as the Wallabies’ blocking pair, while Harry Wilson returns as Australia’s captain, despite not having been declared the team’s permanent leader by Schmidt.