by Speaking to his father, Michael, before Louis Lynagh followed in his footsteps by becoming a Test rugby player, the great Wallaby revealed a coincidence that sounded like a good omen. “He said nine is the lucky number and today is March 9,” Lynagh says with a laugh, speaking to Telegraph Sport about the Stadio Olimpico. When you consider that Lynagh’s debut coincided with Italy ending an almost 11-year drought for a home win in the Six Nations, that’s one mighty lucky number.
Lynagh continued: “He said to go out there and believe in yourself. There are some tactical things, but be yourself, trust the people around you. All the boys have been fantastic since I joined the team.”
Three years ago after his impressive season for Harlequins which culminated in Gallagher’s 2020-21 Premiership, the concept of Lynagh in an Italy shirt would have been over. He looked assured playing for England.
The Stadio Olimpico on Saturday was deafening, sold out for the first time since 2016. Lynagh had experienced a similar atmosphere before – as a traveling reserve with England at the Stade de France towards the end of the 2022 Six Nations. England’s radar and is now leaving Harlequins, the club he joined as a teenager, at the end of the season to join Benetton. A few busy weeks that changed the life of a young man who is still only 23 years old.
“It was a lot of shaking,” admits Lynagh. “It’s obviously sad to leave Quins. It was a great opportunity with Benetton. It’s sad – I’ve been at Harlequins since I was 14 and it’s where all my best friends are. But sometimes you have to get out of your comfort zone and try something different and hopefully it works out. Italian call-up, I really didn’t expect it! But I’m trying to enjoy the moment, to also stay calm and do the best I can. Hopefully that means I can continue these hours.”
Before the unlucky number chat another sign that Lynagh would be okay; he slept “very well”. Italy went through their final meetings before Lynagh took his seat on the bus. “I was sitting in a window seat taking it all in – it was very emotional.” Lynagh may have grown up in England but he was born in Treviso and his mother is Italian. This meant a lot. “Nerves are a factor, but they were gone from start to finish.”
In attack he had to be patient, an early chance to threaten Scotland came after a rare bad pass from Finn Russell went to ground and Lynagh hacked on. And then four minutes after half time? Bang. Lynagh and his teammates had discussed at half-time how the Scottish defense can leave a lot of space in the backfield. Paolo Garbisi spotted him and sent a grubber that bounced up well for the chasing Lynagh, who had the pace to split Kyle Steyn and Russell. The noise inside the Stadio Olimpico was surprising, Lynagh was not aware of. “I couldn’t hear much of it because everyone was jumping over my head. I’d love to keep the atmosphere like that, win or lose, a full house every time we play. It’s a big question but it made a huge difference and I can tell you that from talking to the boys there.”
Lynagh later assisted Ange Capuozzo to bring in the onrushing Duhan van der Merwe – revenge for Van der Merwe keeping Capuozzo over the try line earlier like he was a sack of flour. There was only one sign of growing pains; Lynagh knocking, arms outstretched to entangle the ball with Italy attacking deep in Scotland’s 22 in the run up to Varney’s try. It didn’t matter what the outcome of that attack was, but it may have been just two tries for Lynagh.
Otherwise, Lynagh has slotted into this side with ease. He was only called up before France’s draw with Italy – they are yet to lose while he is in camp. Wales are next up and Lynagh’s insight into Italy’s approach, especially given the talent on offer in this young side, should have everyone excited about their potential.
“We have a very good system in place with the coaches, but also, rugby is rugby. If the space is there, we’re going to take it. I think we are adapting that well. We have a great, talented group of players. [This win] it shows when we can put it together, all the hard work and we’re up emotionally for it, it’s all there. That being said, it doesn’t have to be a perfect storm for Italy to win. I think the group is moving on, something great is coming in and hopefully we can go into Wales with our leaders up and go for another win. I think we’re building something really special.” For Italy, not England, Lynagh has an immediate impact.
