Louis Lynagh, the son of former Australian rugby union great Michael, will make his debut for Italy in their Six Nations meeting with Scotland on Saturday in front of a sell-out near-70,000 crowd at Rome’s Stadio Olimpico.
Lynagh was born in Italy and has played at Under-20 level for England where he grew up. He will play his club rugby in Italy next season, at Benetton for whom his father played. The 23-year-old currently plays for London club Harlequins.
Michael Lynagh won 72 caps for Australia from 1984 to 1995, the last two years as captain, and was a Rugby World Cup winner in 1991.
Another son, Tom, 20, also born in Italy, plays for Queensland Reds and has represented the junior Wallabies.
Italy’s head coach Gonzalo Quesada named Lynagh on the wing on Thursday. Tommaso Menoncello moves back to centre alongside Ignacio Brex.
Sebastian Negri returns after injury while prop Simone Ferrari is the only other change from last month’s draw against France.
Scotland have made three changes. Andy Christie and backs Cameron Redpath and George Horne will start in Rome after coming off the bench in the 30-21 win over England. It will be a first international start for Saracens flanker Christie.
At Twickenham England will give winger Immanuel Feyi-Waboso his first start in their match against Ireland on Saturday, with Alex Mitchell and George Martin also returning as coach Steve Borthwick made three change
The Cardiff-born Feyi-Waboso, 21, scored a try as a replacement in the 30-21 defeat at Murrayfield two weeks ago and starts on the right wing, with Tommy Freeman switching to the left and Elliot Daly dropping to the bench. Danny Care is set to win his 100th cap off the bench.
Ireland welcome Hugo Keenan back from injury in an otherwise unchanged team.
With 15 points Ireland are six points clear and a bonus-point win would secure the title with a game to spare. Behind Andy Farrell’s side are Scotland (9 points), England (8) and France (6), Wales (3) and Italy (3).
Source Agencies
