Queensland Reds captain Fraser McReight has tipped a “bigger” and “quicker” Tom Lynagh to hurt the Hurricanes off the bench on Saturday in his first Super Rugby Pacific appearance of the season.
The Wallabies flyhalf hasn’t played any rugby since Australia’s 28-24 win over Argentina last September.
However, having strengthened his body following hamstring and calf injuries, Lynagh is ready to make an impact in Wellington this weekend when the Reds will attempt to beat the Hurricanes for the first time since 2013.
“We know ‘Turbo’ (Lynagh) has been thereabouts, so it’s no surprise for us (that he’s playing),” McReight said.
“He’s been training for a little bit. Everyone knows what he can do and what he can bring, so we’re excited and excited for him personally just to get back out on the rugby pitch.
“It’s been a while since he’s played, but he’s gotten bigger, he’s looking quicker, he’s gotten more confident in his body, and his job is going to be definitely a different sort of role coming off the bench, and he’s well aware of that.
“He’s really excited to be back out there.”
A win over the Hurricanes would tick another box for the in-form Reds, who last week won in Fiji for the first time since the competition’s inception and also tasted rare success in Canberra against the ACT Brumbies earlier this season.
“You can’t dwell too much in the past because a week is such a long time in rugby, so for us, it’s about how we can be getting better each and every week, and we have been doing that,” said McReight, whose team has won four successive games.
“It’s nailing the way we want to play them, how we want to play, and there definitely is a sense of belief and confidence in this team due to the fact that we’ve knocked off some really good teams and we’ve gained that momentum.
“We have played really well against the Hurricanes in the previous two years (without winning), but it’s a new year. We don’t really care too much about that.
“It’s about how we can improve on the Fijian performance (a 21-6 win over the Drua) last week.
“Yes, they (the Hurricanes) are a different side, and they bring different strengths, but for us, if we can contribute the way we want to play really well, then we feel that we’re going to be in a strong position.”
Star flanker McReight was rested last weekend as part of a “regeneration” process. Under reported World Rugby management rules being adhered to by Rugby Australia, some players are prevented from playing six weeks in a row.
“As much I would loved to have played, the resting protocols are in place for a reason,” he said.
“The body’s feeling good and fresh for (Saturday’s) match.”
Reds: Aidan Ross, Josh Nasser, Nick Bloomfield, Seru Uru, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, Joe Brial, Fraser McReight (c), Harry Wilson, Louis Werchon, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Tim Ryan, Hunter Paisami, Isaac Henry, Filipo Daugunu, Jock Campbell. Bench: Richie Asiata, George Blake, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Hamish Muller, Vaiuta Latu, Kalani Thomas, Tom Lynagh, Treyvon Pritchard.
Hurricanes: Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, Caleb Delany, Warner Dearns, Devan Flanders, Du’Plessis Kirifi (co-c), Peter Lakai, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Fehi Fineanganofo, Jordie Barrett (co-c), Billy Proctor, Bailyn Sullivan, Josh Moorby. Bench: Vernon Bason, Siale Lauaki, Pasilio Tosi, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Brayden Iose, Ereatara Enari, Lucas Cashmore, Jone Rova.
