Queensland Reds coach Vern Cotter has enjoyed working with flyhalf Tom Lynagh as the playmaker prepares for a last-minute Wallabies audition.
Lynagh has been named to start on his return from injury against the Western Force on Saturday, ending a frustrating nine month period.
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The playmaker managed a lone appearance off the bench in Super Rugby Pacific, playing just 16 minutes against the Hurricanes.
But with club teammate Carter Gordon breaking his leg, Lynagh's path back to the Wallabies is clear as he returns to the number 10 jersey.
"I'm really enjoying Tom in a playmaker role. He's got a great head on his shoulders. He sees the game well. He's calm and decisive," Cotter said.
"With the niggles he has had, we will probably be a bit careful with him so it probably won't be 80 minutes but certainly a good 40 minutes to start with."
Lynagh is one of several Wallabies hopefuls across the two sides ahead of the Springboks Test at the end of the month, with former teammate Harry McLaughlin-Phillips starting opposite him for his new club.
McLaughlin-Phillips has spent time within Wallabies camp as injury cover and has featured in the past for Australia A.
He headlines a strong backline that includes Zac Lomax, who starts at outside centre as indicated earlier in the week.
Sevens star Wallace Charlie starts on the wing, with Nic Dolly to captain the team. Kurtley Beale will add experience off the bench amid a host of local talent.
Meanwhile, for the Reds, front-rowers Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr will feature along with Josh Flook and Jock Campbell.
Faessler and the departing Flook will start in Cotter's debut as coach, with Nonggorr returning from injury off the bench.
Campbell will take advantage of the extended 25-player squads, returning after joining the Wallabies in Argentina to replace Dylan Pietsch.
REDS (1-15): George Blake, Matt Faessler, Nick Bloomfield, Will Ross, Charlie Brosnan, Tom Robinson, John Bryant, Joe Brial, Mosiah Christian, Tom Lynagh, Tim Ryan, Josh Takai, Josh Flook, Lachie Anderson (c), Will McCulloch
Replacements: Zac Hough, Harrison Usher, Zane Nonggorr, Kenneth Harris, Vaiuta Latu, Cooper Stewart, Ben Volavola, Jake Pappin, Trevor King, Jock Campbell
FORCE (1-15): Max Sawers, Nic Dolly (c), Brad Kuhn, Will Harris, Zak Healey, Kane Koteka, Jack Daly, Jackson Iose, Nathan Hastie, Harry McLaughlin-Phillips, Wallace Charlie, Boston Fakafanua, Zac Lomax, Rohan Leahy, Mac Grealy
Replacements: Albert Alcock, Junior Passi, Regin Pratt, Wil Taylor, Seta Baker, Tama Anderson, Luke Aiken, Tim Sail, Kurtley Beale, Sam Faoagali
