The availability of Tom Lynagh and James O’Connor for the Bledisloe Cup is under a cloud as the Wallabies shifted camp to Sydney following Saturday’s dramatic win over Argentina in Townsville.
Lynagh, 22, wore No.10 in his return from concussion but didn’t have a great game and was substituted in the second half because of a tight hamstring.
O’Connor, 35, then guided Australia to a crucial 28-24 comeback win that left the Wallabies in second place halfway through the Rugby Championship – and ahead of the Pumas on the world rankings as they hunt a top six placing and a favourable Rugby World Cup draw in December.
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Tom Lynagh of Australia looks dejected. Getty
Lynagh had suffered three concussions this year before Saturday’s game and, in his post-match press conference, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt said he had failed another head injury assessment and would not be available for this weekend’s rematch against Argentina.
“We won’t be risking him in any way, shape or form and getting him the best medical advice,” Schmidt said on Saturday.
“His tackle technique is usually pretty sound. We brought him off for a tight hamstring and it was after that they decided to do a HIA. Tom didn’t flag it. I’m guessing it’s from a mouthguard alert.”
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Tom Lynagh of the Wallabies. Getty
But a Wallabies spokesman issued a statement on Sunday to clarify the situation.
“After being substituted, the matchday doctor instructed that Tom was required to do a HIA1 test for a possible head impact which was off his baseline, possibly due to other factors at the time – but this does not confirm a concussion,” it read.
“Post-game he underwent a HIA2 test which was normal. He will need to undergo a HIA3 test tomorrow (Monday) and if normal then no concussion is diagnosed. Medical staff will continue to further monitor Tom throughout the week.”
James O’Connor of the Wallabies celebrates victory in Townsville. Getty
A reborn O’Connor, meanwhile, is available for Saturday’s round four clash at Allianz Stadium but not necessarily for the Bledisloe Cup Tests that follow.
After winning a Super Rugby Pacific title with the Crusaders, O’Connor will play his club rugby in England for Leicester Tigers this season.
Former Wallabies assistant coach Geoff Parling has replaced Michael Cheika at the helm of Leicester and Schmidt was hopeful that the veteran could play on.
James O’Connor of the Wallabies is tackled during The Rugby Championship. Getty
“That’ll be, can I call it, by negotiation,” Schmidt said with a smile.
“He’s (Parling) massively supportive, but has a responsibility to Leicester. So I know he’s available next week and beyond that it’ll be conversations with Geoff.”
Tane Edmed and Hamish Stewart are other playmaking options in camp in Sydney while Ben Donaldson is on the comeback trail from an adductor injury picked up in training in South Africa.
Noah Lolesio is sidelined with a long-term neck injury that required surgery.
Schmidt was also keeping a firm lid on celebrations and even suggested his team was lucky to win after Angus Bell grabbed the game winner deep into stoppage time.
“That’s just not fair on the Pumas,” Schmidt said.
“They are such a good side. They made a couple of errors that let us off the hook. We’ve got to be conscious of that.
“Next week that may not be the case and we’re going to have to make sure we roll our sleeves up during the week to be better in the first half. We know they’re going to be.
“Some of the penalties were really disappointing. I don’t think we needed to concede them. If we could tidy those things up alone it gives them a little less access to the game, because they don’t need a whole heap of access. They are such a competitive team.”