The Queensland Reds have been left privately seething by a lack of action after playmaker Tom Lynagh was concussed and likely ruled out for two Super Rugby Pacific games.
The teenage son of former Reds and Wallabies star Michael has burst onto the scene this season, forcing his way into new Australia coach Eddie Jones' Test calculations with his poise and kicking accuracy in the competition's opening month.
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But the 19-year-old has been scrubbed out of Saturday's clash in Melbourne against the Rebels and will likely miss next Friday's home game against the Crusaders as he follows World Rugby's 12-day return-to-play concussion protocols.
A late substitution in the Reds' tight defeat of the Fijian Drua on Sunday, footage shows Lynagh attempting to tackle try-scorer Iosefo Masi. The play is clearly dead when Ratu Rotuisolia joins the pile-on and collects Lynagh from behind.
"He's had a tremendous start to his career," Reds co-captain Tate McDermott told AAP on the young half.
"I have been surprised, but I knew what he was capable of.
"He'd be bloody pleased with how he's gone, I know we are. But he's a small frame, so give him some time to get back on his feet and recharge."
This is coupled with prop Sef Fa'agase receiving a three-match ban for a similar hit on Eroni Sau, paving the way for Phransis Sula-Siaosi.
The hit went unnoticed on the field but was raised by Drua coach Mick Byrne in the post-game press conference. Fa'agase was retrospectively cited and issued with a red card, with a six-week suspension downgraded to three thanks to his clean record and early guilty plea.
AAP understands the Reds presented Lynagh's incident, as well as a potential high tackle on winger Filipo Daugunu earlier in the game, but no action was taken.
Reds winger Suliasi Vunivalu will also miss the Rebels clash after he cramped up late against the Drua and failed to finish the game, offset by the return of Jordan Petaia and Hunter Paisami.
As for the Rebels, they have suffered their own blow with inspirational number eight Richard Hardwick ruled out.
Hardwick has been one of the form players of the competition, suffering a lower leg injury.
It paves the way for Vaiolini Ekuasi to make his starting debut after strong showings off the bench.
A finger injury to Reece Hodge gives David Feliuai his first start at inside centre whilst Joe Pincus recovers from injury to slot into fullback.
Junior Wallabies duo Glen Vaihu and Daniel Maiava will feature for the first time in 2023 via the bench.
“The game means a lot to us in terms of our season, and we’re just really focused on getting the win and playing exciting rugby in front of our fans, who have been great this season," said hooker Alex Mafi.
"These games between the Rebels and Reds are always good games traditionally, and have normally gone down to the wire, and have been great spectacles to watch in terms of free flowing, exciting rugby."
REBELS (1-15): Matt Gibbon, Alex Mafi, Sam Talakai, Trevor Hosea, Tuaina Taii Tualima, Josh Kemeny, Brad Wilkin (c), Vaiolini Ekuasi, Ryan Louwrens, Carter Gordon, Monty Ioane, David Feliuai, Stacey Ili, Lachie Anderson, Joe Pincus
RESERVES: Anaru Rangi, Cabous Eloff, Pone Fa’amausili, Angelo Smith, Daniel Maiava, James Tuttle, Glen Vaihu, Nick Jooste
REDS (1-15): Dane Zander, Matt Faessler, Zane Nonggorr, Ryan Smith, Seru Uru, Liam Wright (co-c) Fraser McReight, Harry Wilson, Kalani Thomas, James O’Connor, Filipo Daugunu, Hunter Paisami, Josh Flook, Jordan Petaia, Jock Campbell
RESERVES: Richie Asiata, Sef Fa'agase, Phransis Sula-Siaosi, Jake Upfield, Connor Vest, Tate McDermott (co-c), Isaac Henry, Taj Annan
