Speaking to his father Michael before Louis Lynagh followed in his footsteps by becoming a Test rugby player, the Wallaby great pointed out a coincidence that appeared to be a good omen. “He said nine was his lucky number and today was March 9th,” Lynagh says with a smile as he speaks to Telegraph Sport beneath the Stadio Olimpico. That’s a strong lucky number when you consider that Lynagh’s debut coincided with Italy ending an almost 11-year drought to win on home soil in the Six Nations.
Lynagh continued: “He told you to go out there and be confident. There are a few tactical things but just be yourself, trust the people around you. “Since I joined the team, all the players have been amazing.”
Three years ago, Lynagh’s concept of an Italy jersey would have been scrapped after his outstanding season for Harlequins, which culminated in them winning the 2020-21 Gallagher Premiership. He looked confident of playing for England.
The Stadio Olimpico was deafening on Saturday, selling out for the first time since 2016. Lynagh had experienced a similar atmosphere before; He played as a traveling reserve against England at the Stade de France towards the end of the 2022 Six Nations. From there he fell off England’s radar and is now leaving Harlequins, the club he joined as a teenager, at the end of the season to join Benetton. It’s been a busy and life-changing few weeks for a young man who is only 23 years old.
“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind,” admits Lynagh. “It’s obviously sad to leave Quins. It was an incredible opportunity with Benetton. Sad; I’ve been at Harlequins since I was 14 and all my best friends are there. But sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone and try something different, and hopefully it will be successful. Italy call, I really didn’t expect it! But right now I’m trying to enjoy it but also stay calm and do the best I can. I hope this means I can continue to be in these moments.
Before the lucky number speech there was another sign that Lynagh would be okay; Slept “really well”. Italy held its final meetings before Lynagh took her seat on the bus. “I was sitting in a window seat thinking about everything; it was pretty emotional.” Lynagh may have grown up in England, but she was born in Treviso and her mother is Italian. This meant a lot. “Nerves are a factor, but they went with the kick-off.”
He had to be patient in attack, an early chance to threaten Scotland coming after Finn Russell’s rare poor pass fell to the ground and Lynagh pounced. What about four minutes after half-time? Bang. Lynagh and his team-mates had discussed at half-time how Scotland’s defense could leave a lot of space in the backfield. Paolo Garbisi spotted this and passed a well-bouncing tackle to chase down Lynagh, who had the pace to separate Kyle Steyn and Russell. Although Lynagh wasn’t aware of it, the noise inside the Stadio Olimpico was surprising. “I couldn’t hear much because everyone was jumping on me. Whether we win or lose, I want to have a full atmosphere every time we play. It’s a big ask, but from talking to the kids there, I can say it makes a huge difference.”
Lynagh then assisted Ange Capuozzo to put an accelerating Duhan van der Merwe into touch – revenge for Van der Merwe having earlier held Capuozzo on the try line like a sack of flour. There was only one symptom of growing pains; Lynagh bellows, arms outstretched for the ball to be lobbed wide as Italy attack deep inside Scotland’s 22, preparing for Varney’s try. It didn’t matter given the outcome of the attack, but one try could easily have become two for Lynagh.
Otherwise Lynagh settled this way easily. He was called up before Italy’s draw with France; They haven’t lost yet while he’s been in camp. Wales are next up and Lynagh’s insight into Italy’s approach should get everyone excited about their potential, especially given the talent this young team has to offer.
“We’ve got a really good system in place with the coaches but at the same time rugby is rugby. If there’s room we’ll take it. I think we’ve adapted well to it. We’ve got a great, talented group of players. [This win] It shows when we can put it together, all that hard work and we’re emotionally prepared for it, it’s all there. That being said, it doesn’t need to be a perfect storm for Italy to win. I feel like the group is moving forward, something great is coming and hopefully we can go into Wales with our heads held high and get another win. “I think we are building something truly special.” Lynagh made an immediate impact, not for England but for Italy.