Ryan Lonergan is relishing the challenge that awaits him this week, with the ACT Brumbies captain poised to face potentially “the best halfback in the world.” Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park will start at halfback for the British & Irish Lions, with Alex Mitchell on the bench.
Lonergan has faced some of the greatest halfbacks in the southern hemisphere, including Tate McDermott and Cam Roigard this year. McDermott and Roigard began Tests for their respective teams last weekend, and Gibson-Park presents another difficult challenge.
Gibson-Park only started six of 35 Hurricanes games between 2014 and 2016 before joining European powerhouses Leinster. The New Zealander quickly established himself as a fixture on matchday 23 for Leinster and, later, Ireland.
Gibson-Park made his Test debut against Italy in 2020 and went on to become a key member of Ireland’s 2023 Rugby World Cup team. Gibson-Park’s career reached new heights as he made his Lions debut against the Reds, wearing the red shirt for the first time.
Coach Andy Farrell teamed Gibson-Park with Finn Russell in the halves against Queensland, and the two playmakers will team up again against the Brumbies, approximately ten days before the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.
“Yes, it should be good. “Yeah, I agree; I believe he’s up there with the best halfbacks in the world,” Lonergan told reporters on Tuesday.
“It’s been a pleasure to watch him from afar and it’ll be a pleasure to take the field against him tomorrow.”
Many would consider the Lions to be at full strength ahead of the midweek fixture, with Maro Itoje returning to captain the touring team. Mack Hansen, a former Brumbies winger, is another man to keep an eye on, having been named to the Lions’ bench.
Lonergan will head the Brumbies, which include four Wallabies. Tom Hooper has been picked as a blindside flanker, backing up for the Brumbies and playing 12 minutes off the bench for the Wallabies against Fiji on Sunday.
Hooper may have the opportunity to play with younger brother Lachie Hooper for the first time at the professional level, as he has been named to the bench. Lachie has yet to make his Super Rugby Pacific debut, and Tom is preparing to leave for England after signing with the Exeter Chiefs.
“Hoops, he’s a machine,” Lonergan remarked when asked about Tom Hooper’s return to the Brumbies after facing Fiji.
“I am sure he would have played 80, and he would have been eager to return and play regardless.
“I’m thrilled to have him back. It will be a special night for him as well, since he hopes to play alongside his brother when he comes on.
“He’s a good character in the group, and he has a powerful motor. It’s very inspiring to watch him go, especially while exercising with the others.
“He’s a huge guy who goes through a mountain of work. He inspires and leads by example.”
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