Lonergan’s reaction to possible Brumbies finals challenge speaks volumes

Ryan Lonergan believes the ACT Brumbies would take confidence int a potential playoff away to a New Zealand side next month, after booking their spot in the finals with a do-or-die 21-14 win over the NSW Waratahs in Sydney.

New Zealand sides the Hurricanes, Chiefs and Blues had already done enough to secure a spot in the playoffs through 14 rounds. Then there’s the Crusaders, Brumbies and Queensland Reds, who were all looking to hold a top-six place.

The Crusaders stunned the Chiefs 36-32 on Friday evening, punching their ticket to the finals. With the Blues and Crusaders leading the race for third, the Brumbies still require results to fall their way to secure a home final and avoid a trip across the Tasman.

All that set the scene for an Aussie derby in The Harbour City, a both the Brumbies and Waratahs continued to fight for valuable competition points. The Brums needed a win to secure a spot in the knockouts, the Canberrans did just that at Allianz Stadium.

“I’m sure the boys would be fine with it. The group’s been together for a long time now and we’ve played a lot of footy over there, whether that’s finals or just regular round games,” Lonergan told reporters in Sydney.

“As the team has matured together, we’ve learned to perform better over there. I think we can use that experience and we go over there with confidence knowing that we’ve done it before. We can put our best foot forward that way.”

Billy Pollard, Cadeyrn Neville and Allan Alaalatoa all crossed for one try each as the Brumbies ran out to a 21-0 lead, before a late fightback from the hosts made it a one-score game. Isaac Kailea and Max Jorgensen made their mark, giving the Waratahs a chance of an almighty comeback.

But A-zone execution came back to haunt the Waratahs once again. They had been ahead in both the possession and territory battles when a successful Lonergan conversion gave the visitors a 21-point lead at Allianz Stadium.

Both teams defended at a completion rate of at least 90 per cent, which proved key for the visitors late in the piece. The Brumbies host Moana Pasifika in their final regular season game, although conversations about potentially resting players are yet to be had.

“It’s a usual situation for any Australian team. New Zealand teams are very consistent in Super Rugby and the challenge for us… is getting over there and playing,” Larkham said.

“If you talk about those players, it takes a bit of time for them to really find their groove. I thought [Tom Wright] was better this week compared to do weeks ago.

“The other guys, they’re playing really well. [Lachlan] Lonergan is playing exceptionally well. He had three games through the Runners in club rugby which brought him up to speed and he hasn’t put a foot wrong since he’s been out there.

“[Allan Alaalatoa] had his best game against the Force and then he had a really good game again tonight. Those guys, finding their feet at the right time of the season.”