ACT Brumbies coach Stephen Larkham hopes captain Ryan Lonergan’s strong showing against the British & Irish Lions is proof the scrumhalf is ready for a golden jersey.
Lonergan has been on the verge of a Test debut for the Wallabies for several years, included in camps by several different coaches.
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Along the way, he has captained Australia A on several occasions against Japan and England A.
The 27-year-old led by example in the Brumbies' 12-point loss to the Lions, with his kicking game a major standout.
Larkham knows better than anyone the quality needed to make it big at as scrumhalf, having served outside one of the best ever in George Gregan.
He had little doubt when asked whether he’d select him in Friday’s Wallabies squad announcement.
“He's had an outstanding year. A real breakout year for him,” he said.
“His leadership off and on the field has always been outstanding. The way that he's played this year through Super Rugby has been a step up from last year and he showed that again tonight.
“Just the composure that he has in any situation, whether we're going into finals games or the game tonight [he’s] super composed going into the game and then on the field just really composed, and that's what you need in big games. You need a 9-10 combination who don't get fazed by the pressure that comes on.
“… If you look back 12 years ago and even further back to 2001, guys come out of this game and this experience a better player. I'm hoping it leads to opportunities down the track for players such as Ryan.”
Flyhalf Jack Debreczeni has been with Lonergan for the majority of the journey and echoed these thoughts.
“I'd have full faith that Ryan could do a job for this country,” he believes.
“He's a leader amongst this group at an age of 27 with a lot of older guys around. When he speaks, he commands the room, and the effort and the work he puts in day in day out, especially around his craft, is pretty impressive.
“I'd have full faith that if he were to be picked to play in a test match, that he'd do a job for this country.”
