Rugby Australia must have shuddered when they saw another name on Toulouse’s scorecard the same weekend that French media announced Heinz Lemoto, the Penrith Panthers and Australian under-18s star, had signed with the French team.
In their 52-6 thumping of Castres, the French powerhouses scored a goal from 22-year-old prop-hooker Malachi Hawkes, who moved from Sydney to Toulouse in 2020. As the harsh realities of professionalism reach Australia, Hawkes is one of at least 25 young Australians who have relocated to France or plan to do so.
The Herald is aware that although RA considers this to be poaching, the French see it as a natural byproduct of globalization, with agents actively attracting young Australians to their doorstep.
In any event, if the pattern persists, it may eventually be the reason RA decides to do away with its present Wallabies eligibility rules. Promotion of
Hardy Lynagh advances one more step.
It is easy to forget that Tom Lynagh, the Reds’ star player, is only 22 years old. With the Queenslanders experiencing the same post-bye bounce the Brumbies had in Brisbane two weeks prior, he played a key role in the Reds’ pivotal victory over the Blues.
The major change in Lynagh’s play this season has been his willingness to take risks, which is a clear indication of his growing confidence. Lynagh has shown courage and toughness in defense and under the high ball in previous seasons, but he is now applying those qualities to the attacking end of the field.
Joe Schmidt’s opinion on the No. 10 situation, considering Noah Lolesio’s impending trip to Japan
Is hooker Richie Asiata a Wallabies bolter while still with the Reds?
Toole’s major difficulty is highlighted by the power game.
When New Zealand teams use their three returning players, the Brumbies have had trouble. In round seven in Canberra, the Highlanders’ back three scored four tries against the Brumbies, and it is clear that the Hurricanes learned a lot from that match.
With No. 11 Kini Naholo, No. 14 Ngantungane Punivai, No. 13 Billy Proctor, and No. 15 Callum Harkin leading the run metres, the Brumbies were unable to contain the Hurricanes’ big men out wide.
Andy Muirhead made six of 11 tackles, while Corey Toole made six of 13. Though they are both elegant football players, the Brumbies have had difficulty obtaining Wallabies caps for a reason.
Potter in the midst of the Wallabies
On the other hand, Harry Potter, a winger for Western Force, further improved his reputation during Friday’s crushing defeat to the Chiefs. Potter was a constant menace on the edge, scoring two tries and making three clean breaks as the Force lost the game.
His excellent skill level, adaptability, and wise decision-making make him a lock for the Wallabies team at this point. Despite a difficult upcoming matchup against the Blues at Eden Park in Auckland, he is another reason why nobody should rule out the Force’s run for the playoffs.
This week’s Super Rugby team Reds’ Sef Fa’agase The Reds’ Richie Asiata Alaalatoa, Allan (Brumbies) Canham, Josh (Reds) Hooper, Tom (Brumbies) Reds’ Seru Uru Tizzano Carlo (Force) (Force) Nick Champion de Crespigny Reds’ Tate McDermott Reds player of the week: Tom Lynagh Reds player Tim Ryan Paisami Hunter (Reds) Reds’ Dre Pakeho Force (Harry Potter) and Reds (Jock Campbell)
At their best, the Force can defeat the Waratahs in Perth, the Brumbies in Perth, and the Drua in Fiji in the final three games.
The protagonist is JOC.
There is another twist to the James O’Connor story because Crusaders No. 10 Taha Kemara had an injury during Saturday’s decisive victory over the Highlanders. With current form suggesting a Chiefs vs. Crusaders final, O’Connor, whether wearing the No. 10 jersey or coming off the bench, is now a crucial player in the competition for the remainder of the season.
Everyone knows their duties, and the Crusaders demonstrated in Dunedin that they are a well-oiled machine. If O’Connor can lead the team to the championship, he will have to be taken into consideration for Wallabies’ selection.
