Noah Lolesio Fights for His Future in the Wallabies' Hot Seat

Noah Lolesio, the Wallabies' flyhalf, faces intense pressure ahead of crucial Rugby Championship tests against Argentina. Despite a strong start, Lolesio struggled in recent matches against South Africa. New coach Joe Schmidt supports him but may look elsewhere if performances don't improve, with Tom Lynagh waiting in the wings.

Noah Lolesio has been in and out of the Wallabies side since his 2020 debut and is under renewed pressure ahead of back-to-back tests against Argentina in the Rugby Championship.

Lolesio was given the first crack at the number 10 jersey by new coach Joe Schmidt and started brightly in the July series against Wales. However, he struggled behind a beaten pack in successive defeats by world champions South Africa. Schmidt has demanded teammates help take the pressure off Lolesio on the field, but the New Zealander's patience may wear thin if the 24-year-old fails to stand up against the Pumas in La Plata on Saturday.

Lolesio said he was grateful for Schmidt's support while mindful of the need to be confident in his game. 'Playing flyhalf for the Wallabies is up there pressure-wise with anything,' Lolesio said from Buenos Aires. 'I'm just keeping it real simple for myself and putting into perspective that it's just a game of footy at the end of the day. Joe's been great, too, and harping on to keep backing ourselves in whatever we do on the field. Hopefully, these next few weeks we can show that.' With Tom Lynagh, son of the Wallabies great Michael Lynagh, ready to swoop if Lolesio struggles again, the incumbent flyhalf said he was trying to switch off from rugby away from the field to ease the pressure.

(With inputs from agencies.)