Wallabies five-eighth Tom Lynagh’s fourth concussion of the year will rule him out of Saturday’s Test against Argentina in Sydney and possibly the Bledisloe Cup.
After suffering a hit to the head in Saturday’s 28-24 win over the Pumas in Townsville, Lynagh will have to comply with World Rugby’s mandatory 12-day stand-down. Given his history of concussions, he could be rested for a longer period.
Lynagh was concussed in Super Rugby in May while playing for the Queensland Reds against the Waratahs and was concussed again in June against the Crusaders.
Lynagh’s most recent concussion before Townsville was when he was elbowed by British and Irish Lions hooker Dan Sheehan in the third Test in Sydney. That incident earned Sheehan a four-match ban.
Lynagh left the field after 56 minutes in Townsville, replaced by veteran playmaker James O’Connor. Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said the initial reason for the change was that Lynagh had a tight hamstring. He was then assessed for a concussion and failed his HIA.
“We gave him an extended rest after the third test against the Lions, which was a frustrating moment for young Tom, he actually felt good after the game, and he feels good now,” Schmidt said.
Tom Lynagh leaves the field during the third Test against the Lions.Credit: Getty Images
“So that’s a good first sign, but we know that he obviously can’t play next week, and it puts him in a bit of doubt for the Bledisloe because we will not be risking him in any way, shape, or form, and we’ll be getting the best medical advice around what the best course of action is from here.”
Schmidt said that he doesn’t think Lynagh needs to adjust his tackling technique.
