Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
That's alright. You'll probably find a way to blame the loss on Lynagh.
Rugby Championship 2025: South Africa v Australia
- Thread starter Tazzmania
- Start date
Major Tom
Colin Windon (37)
Jorgenson Try. And Tate's try. Nothing to do with Donno. Look I don't hate the player. He's got weapons that are pretty handy late in games it's just the backline never seems to excel all that much IMO.
noscrumnolife
Darby Loudon (17)
It’s not that complicated.
He’s clearly interested in building a proper consistent bench unit. Donaldson clearly figures as a part of that - whether Lolesio, Lynagh or JOC (James O'Connor) starts. Part of that is clearly about building continuity with Tate. Donaldson has good versatility.
JOC (James O'Connor) > Edmed, that’s the decision. And it’s not a hard one
If he didn’t rate Donaldson he wouldn’t get picked at all.
He’s clearly interested in building a proper consistent bench unit. Donaldson clearly figures as a part of that - whether Lolesio, Lynagh or JOC (James O'Connor) starts. Part of that is clearly about building continuity with Tate. Donaldson has good versatility.
JOC (James O'Connor) > Edmed, that’s the decision. And it’s not a hard one
If he didn’t rate Donaldson he wouldn’t get picked at all.
Strewthcobber
Nick Farr-Jones (63)
It's this (ie protecting Donaldson), with a side of "keep the bench unit together" and an extra serve of "not playing Edmed unless we are truly desperate",
Yoda
Colin Windon (37)
Well, unlike the Stan commentary team not commenting on any of Tom's mistakes, he did make some crucial ones. Drops a ball cold that led to a try off the ensuing scrum. Missed conversions which he was in there for, apparently as a better kicker. Missed touch off a penalty in the second Test near the end of the game that cost us the line out and field position. It's more the, young Tom, he's tough and learning narrative that is being pushed and Donaldson and previously Lolesio make mistakes and they are massively criticised. Being honest unbiased and fair Is what should be reported and talked about. To answer your question though, I wouldn't have started Lynagh in such a rare and big event. Overrated in my opinion.
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
Pietch try had nothing to do with Lynagh either so not sure what that shows other than it was a forwards dominated test match
Yoda
Colin Windon (37)
"It's just the backline never seems to excel all that much IMO"... you don't seriously suggest that it has been any better with Noah and Tom?
parkfootyenthusiast2
Bill Watson (15)
He's a professional footy player who at the very least should have a chip on his shoulder. If he performs then that's great, if he doesn't, spare me this nobody believed in him dross
Brumby Runner
Jason Little (69)
Actually, it might have been the first Lions test or the one and only against Fiji, but the backline simply hummed after Tom went off and Ben replaced him.
parkfootyenthusiast2
Bill Watson (15)
Particularly interesting given Tom didn't play in the Fiji game
John S
Ken Catchpole (46)
3...2...1... cue outrage from Campo https://www.theroar.com.au/2025/08/...-oconnor-call-up-ex-wallabies-back-bold-move/
To save people the read:
- Campo gives his usual spiel on being "cancelled" by everyone
- Campo says good on JOC (James O'Connor) for doing enough for a call up - thinks he should have got a shot at Lions
- Plenty of other commentary from Phipps, Matt To'omua around the 10.
- I basically went to read the comments
Also funny how the Roar can conjure up a whole article from a 50 odd word tweet.
To save people the read:
- Campo gives his usual spiel on being "cancelled" by everyone
- Campo says good on JOC (James O'Connor) for doing enough for a call up - thinks he should have got a shot at Lions
- Plenty of other commentary from Phipps, Matt To'omua around the 10.
- I basically went to read the comments
Also funny how the Roar can conjure up a whole article from a 50 odd word tweet.
John S
Ken Catchpole (46)
Sometimes I wish he'd cancel himself
Slim 293
George Smith (75)
The simply way to get Campo love is to play for Randwick
Red Runner
Stan Wickham (3)
Well we lost a winger and I reckon Joe didn't want to nullify one of our key attacking weapons so early, in Tom Wright. I would agree that Tate is a better wing option that Donaldson.
As for leaving him on the bench, that's easily justifiable if you understand rugby. It was a 6-2 bench. When you are forced into a back change so early the odds that the other back replacement doesn't come on rises hugely. You can't risk bringing him on at the usual 60 min mark because what then happens if Wright or Ikitau go down? You end up with Gleeson or someone like that in the centres. Up against someone as canny as Finn Russell, that would be coaching suicide I reckon.
Spamnoodle
Ted Thorn (20)
Every test thread, same whingers whinging the same boring argument, only the players names change.
Gonna be great to see JOC (James O'Connor) back in the gold jersey! Love the selection if the whispering is accurate.
Hope he gets that backline singing.
Gonna be great to see JOC (James O'Connor) back in the gold jersey! Love the selection if the whispering is accurate.
Hope he gets that backline singing.
Tomthumb
Peter Johnson (47)
I’m not arguing that Tate wasn’t the better option, I’m arguing that Donaldson isn’t versatile. He’s a 10 and has only ever been used as such by Schmidt, so I’m unsure why people keep pretending he’s versatile
When did I say he should have come in at 60mins? Understand substitutions but with 5-7 mins to go it would have been worth the risk considering how out on their feet the Wallabies players were out there
The_Brown_Hornet
John Eales (66)
Campo really is everyone's annoying uncle these days