The injury to Noah Lolesio has left the fly-half position wide open as the Wallabies prepare for the British & Irish Lions series.
Lolesio underwent surgery after he was taken from the field during Sunday’s win over Fiji.
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rugby.com.au breaks down the potential options to start for Joe Schmidt ahead of next Saturday’s opener in Brisbane.
Donaldson is the natural replacement given his rise and development over the past few years.
The flyhalf has experience in big matches, with his World Cup debut against Georgia ending with the largest point haul by an Australian (25) since 2015.
The Western Force playmaker has started twice under Schmidt against Georgia and Argentina, including kicking the winning penalty against Los Pumas.
Donaldson was excellent for the Force in 2025 and is a proper triple-threat with his boot, distribution and running game.
His management in the closing moments against Fiji garnered praise from Schmidt, which all but indicates his standing as the next in line.
Lynagh has been earmarked as the next big thing in Australian rugby for the past three years since returning to Australia.
The Reds playmaker got his shot at Test Rugby in 2024, coming off the bench on three occasions.
Lynagh has been dealt a harsh run with injuries, suffering multiple concussions whilst a finger injury kept him on the sidelines for last week’s Fiji Test.
There’s no doubt of the 22-year-old’s quality after arguably ending the Super Rugby season as the form Australia flyhalf, but this record and his inexperience is a concern.
Edmed is in a fascinating situation, selected on the bench for the Waratahs for the majority of 2025 but was called into the Wallabies squad as an extra training member.
It’s clear Schmidt has big wraps on the playmaker, handing him his debut at the end of 2024 against Ireland.
Edmed is likely set to start against the British & Irish Lions for AUNZ, battling with Harry McLaughlin-Phillips.
A big performance would go a long way to press his claims for a call-up either into the 23 or the squad, depending on how Friday’s selection announcement goes.
O’Connor is the name that has been on many radars after his move to the Crusaders.
The former Red has developed into a finisher for the defending champions, with his penalty winner against the Blues ramping up calls for a Test call-up.
Experience is a big factor on O’Connor’s side, having played more Tests than Donaldson, Lynagh and Edmed combined, whilst he can cover the centres as well.
It would cap a remarkable 12 years for the last Wallabies playmaker to start at flyhalf against the Lions.
If experience is on the top of Schmidt’s list, then Foley must be considered.
Foley has proven he can weave short-term magic, all but delivering the Wallabies to a comeback Bledisloe Cup win in 2022.
He is still at the top of his game, guiding Kubota Spears to the League One Final.
