Since they were kids, Ryan and Lachlan Lonergan have been living out their childhood dream of playing for the Wallabies.
In the backyard, Ryan would be Matt Giteau, Lachlan Sterling Mortlock as they would battle it out in front of their 'sick goal posts' Ryan built.
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However, the pair now get to live out their dreams to pull on the gold jersey together as they push for selection in Wallabies camp.
The brothers are looking to emulate the feat of Saia and Anthony Fainga'a - the last pair of siblings to play in a Wallabies side together in 2012.
Having come through the Brumbies pathways together, they admitted it would be a dream come true to run out together for their country.
“It’s a privilege to play alongside each other and do it for most of our career. We never thought we’d get this far,” Ryan told reporters.
“(Wallabies) has always been a goal. It was a goal just to play Brumbies and it would be awesome to do the same for the Wallabies,” Lachlan added.
“There’s still a long road ahead for both of us. We still need to prove ourselves and that we belong to wear the jersey but if we do get the chance, it’d be awesome.”
Both got the news of their selection in slightly different situations, with Lachlan called into the squad as cover for Jake Gordon.
“We weren’t together. I was actually getting a burrito from Zambrero when I got the call from Dave at 1pm to say I’d be coming up as an injury cover for Jake (Gordon),” Ryan recalled.
“I was just at one of my mate's house and got the call. We were just having a feed there and I got the call,” Lachlan said.
“Obviously, it was great news. You always want that call and now I’m here which is awesome.”
With the team settling into life in Sanctuary Cove, Ryan admits the mental toll of preparing for international rugby was something they were still getting used to.
“I think it’s very different mentally. It’s a 6 am-6 pm for six days,” Ryan believes.
“I think we gradually pick stuff up on the field that subconsciously we’ll bring back but I think the mental side of the game, that’s what I’ve found. The first week I was very mentally fatigued and napping whenever I could because of how much focus was required for the week and to be able to pick up all the new terminology and how everyone wants to play the game.
“Being able to manage your time away from the game and just being able to be ready and switched on for all the meetings at training because it is full-on and something that I have never experienced before.
“I’ve experienced quite a lot of physical pressure in pre-seasons but never anything this mentally draining.”
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As for who used to win those battles in the backyard?
"I always won. I even started kicking left-footed for quite a while because I wanted to be Giteau,” Ryan said.
“That’s a lie.” Lachlan quickly interjected.
