Tane Edmed set for first Wallabies start after 'remarkable' five-month rise
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Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt is set to select Tane Edmed for his first Test start, at fly-half against Argentina, following an injury to Tom Lynagh.
According to reports, Lynagh will miss this weekend's match with a tight hamstring, providing a remarkable opportunity for Edmed to step into the No.10 jersey just five months after he was dropped from the Waratahs and returned to club rugby.
The news comes as the Wallabies grapple with a series of injuries to their key fly-half stocks.
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Tane Edmed takes part in a Wallabies training session in Sydney. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
During last Saturday's match against Argentina in Townsville, Lynagh came off with a hamstring issue and subsequently produced "abnormal results" during a head injury assessment (HIA).
While he has since passed follow-up HIA assessments, confirming he did not suffer a concussion, he is still managing a tight hamstring.
With Lynagh's history of concussions this year, Schmidt has also made it clear he will not risk him.
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Tom Lynagh looks dejected. Getty
With the Wallabies taking a cautious approach to Lynagh, the door has opened for a new player to start in the number 10 jersey.
For Edmed, this opportunity is the culmination of a whirlwind season.
"It's a pretty remarkable story when you think about it," leading sports writer Iain Payten told Stan's Inside Line.
"Tane spent a good period of time out of the Waratahs' team. He was back playing for Eastwood, halfway through the year."
Tane Edmed looks on during the round 15 Super Rugby Pacific match between the Western Force and the NSW Waratahs. Travis Hayto via Getty Images
Edmed's selection is a strong vote of confidence from Schmidt, who is said to have "never lost faith" in the young fly-half.
"He likes what Tane is about," Payten said.
While veteran James O'Connor remains in the mix, he has recently been used as a bench player.
Meanwhile, Ben Donaldson is battling an adductor injury, and Noah Lolesio is currently unavailable with a long-term neck injury.
Edmed previously made a brief appearance off the bench for the Wallabies against Ireland in late 2024.
The upcoming Test will provide a key opportunity for Schmidt to assess how Edmed handles the pressure of the Test arena.
"I think this is a good window to have a look at Tane having a start, and it'll be interesting to see how he goes," Payten said.
The Wallabies will face Argentina in the teams' second Test of this year's Rugby Championship. The match will kick off at Sydney's Allianz Stadium on Saturday, September 13 at 2pm (AEST).
