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Tom Lynagh: Vibes based kicking routine 'not heavily outcome based'
By AAP
Less is proving more for Tom Lynagh when it comes to his radar-like boot, with the Queensland flyhalf on a hot streak ahead of a testing Dunedin clash with the Highlanders.
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The Reds’ No.10 and Wallabies hopeful has kicked all 14 conversion attempts in his three games this season, with the streak extending to 17 thanks to three-in-a-row to finish last year.
Lynagh’s current run still pales in comparison to Super Rugby’s record of 38, held by Sunwolves sharpshooter Hayden Parker.
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Incredibly, Parker missed just one before kicking his next 33 across the 2018-19 seasons.
They’re numbers the 21-year-old Lynagh – who moved to Ballymore in 2021 after an English schoolboy upbringing – could only dream of last year.
Despite arriving at the Reds with a reputation as a super-boot, the son of Wallabies great Michael Lynagh managed 25-of-38 kicks last year at 66 per cent, including just 19-of-30 conversions.
In his 2023 rookie season he was marginally better, slotting 12-of-17 conversions and 10-of-11 penalties to kick at 79 per cent overall.
“I haven’t changed anything,” said Lynagh, who only does one specific kicking session each week.
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“I got in a good space on those Wallabies camps (last year).
“Didn’t want to change a lot; I’m big about keeping the reps minimal and making sure you feel good.
“Not heavily outcome based, just more about feel.
“Rhythm’s the right word. Like in golf, when you try and hit it too hard, you end up striking it pretty poorly.”
Lynagh’s in-game kicking, playmaking and defence has also flourished, with co-captain Tate McDermott recalling how impressed he was while he served a suspension last year.
“Tommy, I love playing with Tommy,” he said.
“He’s gone from being an Ipad kid to the general of this team and we needed him to take that piece.”
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McDermott has been rested for Saturday’s match in Dunedin, where the Reds haven’t won in five starts since 2013.
They will arrive still confident though, with Lynagh a fan of the roofed, rowdy stadium and his teammates sure he can lead them around.
“That exposure in Joe Schmidt’s (Wallabies) environment was huge to realise he’s got so much in front of him,” McDermott said.
“It’s tough for him to live up to his dad and that’s the battle he faces every day.
“People want to talk to him just because of who his old man is … but he’s grinding away.”
The Reds (3-1) are also without injured flankers Liam Wright and Fraser McReight, with Wallabies skipper Harry Wilson to captain the side for the first time and Test lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto set for his first action of the season.
Queensland embarrassed the Highlanders 31-0 last season in Brisbane when missing the suspended McReight and McDermott.
The Kiwi side is 2-2 this year, with their only losses by one point and two points to the NSW Waratahs and Hurricanes respectively.
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