On the same weekend that French media reported Heinz Lemoto, the Penrith Panthers and Australian under-18s gun, had signed for Toulouse, there was another name on the French outfit’s scoresheet that must have sent a shiver through Rugby Australia.
Malachi Hawkes, a 22-year prop-hooker, who left Sydney for Toulouse in 2020, scored for the French giants in their 52-6 demolition of Castres. Hawkes is one of at least 25 young Australians who have moved, or are moving, to France as the brutal realities of professionalism hit Australia.
While RA views this as poaching, the Herald understands that the French see this as nothing more than the natural consequence of globalisation, with agents taking an active role in bringing young Australians to their door.
Either way, if the trend continues it might ultimately be the factor that forces RA to abandon its current Wallabies eligibility policy.
Is rising star Heinz Lemoto off to France?Credit: Getty Images
Tough Lynagh takes another step forward
It is easy to forget Reds playmaker Tom Lynagh is still just 22 years old. He was instrumental in the Reds’ crucial victory over the Blues, with the Queenslanders enjoying the same post-bye bounce the Brumbies experienced in Brisbane two weeks ago.
Lynagh’s willingness to take on the line has been the big shift in his game this year, and is a sure sign of his increasing confidence. In past seasons, Lynagh displayed his bravery and toughness in defence and under the high ball, but he is now transferring that into the attacking side of the game.
A penny for Joe Schmidt’s thoughts on the No.10 situation, given Noah Lolesio’s pending departure for Japan.
While still on the Reds, is hooker Richie Asiata a Wallabies bolter?
Tom Lynagh is adding toughness to skill in 2025.Credit: Getty Images
Power game highlights Toole’s big challenge
The Brumbies have struggled when New Zealand sides bring their back three athletes into the game. The Highlanders’ back three scored four tries against the Brumbies in Canberra in round seven, and the Hurricanes obviously took some major lessons from that game.
The Brumbies couldn’t contain the Hurricanes’ big men out wide, with No.11 Kini Naholo, No.14 Ngantungane Punivai, No.13 Billy Proctor and No.15 Callum Harkin topping the run metres, in that order.
Corey Toole made six from 13 tackles, while Andy Muirhead completed six from 11. The Brumbies’ pair are classy footballers, but there is a reason why they have found Wallabies caps hard to come by.
Harry Potter has been in great form and looks a certainty to be in the Wallabies squad.Credit: Getty Images
Potter right in the Wallabies mix
By contrast, Western Force winger Harry Potter continued to enhance his reputation with another good display in the heavy loss to the Chiefs on Friday. While the game got away from the Force, Potter was a constant threat on the edge, scoring two tries and making three clean breaks.
At this stage, he’s a lock for the Wallabies squad because of his high skill level, versatility and sound decision-making. He’s also a reason why no one should rule out the Force’s bid for the play-offs, despite a tough next game against the Blues in Perth.
Super Rugby team of the week
- Sef Fa’agase (Reds)
- Richie Asiata (Reds)
- Allan Alaalatoa (Brumbies)
- Josh Canham (Reds)
- Tom Hooper (Brumbies)
- Seru Uru (Reds)
- Carlo Tizzano (Force)
- Nick Champion de Crespigny (Force)
- Tate McDermott (Reds)
- Tom Lynagh (Reds) – Player of the week
- Tim Ryan (Reds)
- Hunter Paisami (Reds)
- Dre Pakeho (Reds)
- Harry Potter (Force)
- Jock Campbell (Reds)
At their best, the Force can win all three remaining games after that – the Brumbies in Perth, the Drua in Fiji and the Waratahs in Perth.
JOC becomes the main character
The injury to Crusaders No.10 Taha Kemara during the big win over the Highlanders on Saturday means that the James O’Connor story has another twist. O’Connor, either in the No.10 jersey or off the bench, is now a pivotal figure in the competition for the rest of the campaign, with current form pointing to a Chiefs v Crusaders decider.
The Crusaders showed in Dunedin they are a well-oiled machine with everyone knowing their roles, and O’Connor will have to be considered for Wallabies selection if he can guide them to the title.
