LYNAGH SHINES IN THE MAGAZINE
Tom Lynagh might have been considered a brave man for mulling over a Wallabies call-up, but the prodigal son has given his shock chances a timely boost.
In his first outing back on track from a minor hamstring concern, the rookie five-eighth combined with McDermott to lead the side's attack at Suncorp Stadium.
Tom Lynagh has shown a level of composure and courageous decision-making beyond his years.Credit: Getty
While he hasn't brought the same enigmatic flair to the No.10 jumper as Quade Cooper and O'Connor before him, the son of Test great Michael Lynagh has shown a level of composure and brave decision-making beyond his years .
Lynagh's big kicking game kept the Force back three, led by former Wallabies star Kurtley Beale, in their own end early on, providing the platform for a Reds forward pack led by a Seru Unbridled and test-scored Uru to thrive.
It was an easier task for the engine room when Force No.8 Reed Prinsep was booked when his shoulder came into contact with Liam Wright's head on 58 minutes as Fraser McReight scored seconds later .
The Queensland full-back crossed for his second soon after in a performance that won him the Frank Ivory Medal for man of the match, as an elusive break from outside center Josh Flook, who was celebrating his 50th game for the Reds , kept the procession going.
But it was Lynagh's willingness to run the football and dig deeper into the defensive line that perhaps showed the biggest growth in his game this year.
The 21-year-old's teammates have spoken of his developing voice and confidence on the field, but it was on Saturday night that he showed his mettle by taking on the Force defense and opening up space for his background line would shine.
He took plenty of hits for his troubles, at one point receiving treatment as blood poured from his forehead, but continued to bounce back and added five goals for good measure.
Having outscored Test wallaby Ben Donaldson at Suncorp Stadium, Lynagh's partnership with inside center Hunter Paisami – who looks set for a return to the international fold – and McDermott could strengthen their cause in Schmidt's eyes when Gal· Australia tours them in July.
BEALE'S OPPORTUNITIES TAKE A DIVE
Kurtley Beale shot into Wallabies contention after linking up with the Force during the season, but his performance in Brisbane may have hampered his prospects.
As the Aussie marque looks to emerge from a dismal 2023 and pave the way for the future, Schmidt could be looking for reinvention.
Beale, 35, has been a long-time contributor in the green and gold jumper in 95 Tests but was outplayed by redback Campbell in the penultimate game of the year.
The veteran showed promising early touches that suggest the old spark is well and truly there, after his return in round nine coincided with the Force's return to finals contention on the back of three wins from their five games facing the defeat of the reds.
But Beale was kept well contained by his Queensland counterparts, with Campbell instead finishing with a try, try assist and 83m.
Brumbies star Tom Wright looks set to be the favorite to claim the coveted No.15 green and gold, his two-try performance in his side's 53-17 win over the Rebels taking him into the top 10 on Friday best of the competition for essays. [9]defeated defenders [42]clean breaks [11] and meters gained [973, top of the competition].
But Campbell has added his name to the mix since Petaia's late-season shoulder injury ensured he had a mortgage on the Reds job, and his triumph against Beale certainly bolstered his cause .
CAN THE REDS DO IT?
Queensland's win secures them fifth place in the finals, likely setting them on a collision course with the Chiefs in New Zealand.
The Reds defeated the Chiefs across the ditch last year, before succumbing to them in the corresponding sudden-death clash last year, but will be looking to use their last game against the Waratahs to ensure they they are eager for revenge.
After a frustrating loss to Fiji's Drua, Kiss stressed that while some squad changes may await the end of the year, they will not be looking to field a weakened side against New Wales in south
With Petaia and Harry Wilson set to miss their premiership tilt, the build-up's continuity could be the difference between a deep charge or a quick finals exit.
“The last two weeks we've balanced our side a little bit, no team has come back from Fiji and won their next game, so that's a big plus,” Kiss said.
“We had a plan there and that was carried out. We're talking to the coaches about next week, you think about those things, and we don't want to take our foot off.
“We have to do it right [against the Waratahs]but some guys deserve a chance as well, and some still have some issues, so we'll make some decisions early in the week.
“We'll see, we have a few options.”
