Wallabies' headaches easing ahead of Los Pumas rematch
The Wallabies have received a big boost ahead of their Rugby Championship rematch against Argentina in Sydney, with flyhalf Tom Lynagh cleared of concussion.
There was confusion over the young playmaker following Australia’s last-gasp victory over the Pumas in Townsville, where James O’Connor replaced Lynagh.
The veteran piloted the home side to a 28-24 comeback win six minutes into injury time.
Lynagh left the field in the second half with hamstring tightness and also underwent a head injury assessment, with coach Joe Schmidt saying post-match he had failed and would not be available for this Saturday’s second Test against Argentina.
The 22-year-old Reds No.10 had already suffered three concussions this year through Test matches and Super Rugby Pacific.
However, the Wallabies later stated that Lynagh had passed an HIA2 test and would undergo further evaluation.
This was updated on Monday, with the 22-year-old also passing an HIA3 test with both “presenting as normal”.
“At no point did he ever have concussion symptoms despite the result of the HIA1 being off his baseline, which could have been due to other factors at the time,” the Wallabies posted on social media.
“Tom is therefore cleared of concussion and is continuing to be monitored for the tight hamstring that forced him from the field on Saturday.”
🗞️ Medical update on Tom Lynagh.#Wallabies pic.twitter.com/aVCLvfbNPG
— Wallabies (@wallabies) September 8, 2025
Lynagh made his first three starts for the Wallabies in the British and Irish Lions series in July and August but missed the Rugby Championship matches in South Africa after a high shot by Dan Sheehan in the third Lions Test.
O’Connor wore the No.10 jersey in both Tests against the Springboks before his impressive stint off the bench against Argentina.
The Wallabies’ play-making stocks are dwindling with Noah Lolesio (neck) a long-term absentee, while Ben Donaldson has been battling an adductor injury.
O’Connor will remain with the squad for Saturday’s Test in Sydney, but could then be forced to depart for club duties after signing with Leicester in England.
