Wallabies scrum-half Ryan Lonergan will be drawing on the knowledge of his former teammate Nic White as he prepares for a potential battle with British & Irish Lions star Jamison Gibson-Park.
White was a notable presence at the squad's open training session on Saturday ahead of this week's clash against Ireland in Sydney.
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The veteran had his own James Slipper-like moment last year, halting retirement until the end of the Rugby Championship after initially saying farewell following the last Lions series.
Whilst there's little chance of White replicating these efforts, Lonergan was eager to tap into his knowledge as the iconic scrumhalf furthers his coaching development following his addition to the Force's staff at the start of the year.
"He's primarily hanging around the nines as well; he's experienced and classy," Lonergan said of his former teammate.
"I think having him in and around as well, he's another little pathway between the players and coaches as well, because he's so fresh from playing, and he really understands both views now, being a coach and only being a player last year.
"It's special for Tatey [McDermott], Kalani [Thomas] and me to have him in here and give us a bit of feedback where it's needed."
Lonergan is pushing for a maiden Test start that would pit him against one of the best in the world in Gibson-Park.
The two had an entertaining battle during the Brumbies' narrow loss on the Lions tour, which helped propel the ACT skipper to a maiden Test debut.
"I think he's class. I really like his passing game and his ability to ball play as a nine," Lonergan remarked.
"He can really control their game, and he can see space really well from the base of the ruck, so yeah, it'd be exciting if I get to go up against him...he's been in the top three nines for a long time in the world, so it was special."
Lonergan is coming off arguably his best Super Rugby season, using the momentum to fuel his bid for a starting spot.
"It's a new challenge now [that] I've been at 'Brumbs' for a long time and I'm comfortable in that group and now it's time to be able to deliver that here if I get the chance," he added.
"I feel I'm really confident in my game and if I get the chance to go out there and deliver that, it'll be exciting."
