Larkham’s ‘awkward’ praise fuels Brumbies skipper’s Wallabies push

Hopeful that more ACT Brumbies players will “get opportunities now with the Wallabies” after a valiant 24-36 loss to the British & Irish Lions, coach Stephen Larkham gave captain Ryan Lonergan an “awkward” endorsement about 45 minutes after full-time.

In the absence of usual skipper Allan Alaalatoa, who started at tighthead prop for the Wallabies against Fiji on Sunday, Lonergan led the Brumbies out onto GIO Stadium on Wednesday – 12 years on from watching the corresponding Lions fixture as a young fan.

Lonergan missed what seemed to be a routine shot at goal early in the match after backrower Tuaina Taii Tualima crossed for the opener, but the halfback was noticeably better from there, making yet another case for higher honours with the Wallabies.

Libbok on his goal kicking

Libbok on his goal kicking

The Brumbies played without some of their Super Rugby regulars, who featured in the Wallabies’ win over the Flying Fijians, but they still gave themselves a glimmer of hope in the pursuit of an incredible upset over the touring side.

Lonergan led the way in attack as a key game-driver for the Brums, boasting effective passing and kicking games. After captaining the Australia XV against England A last November, Lonergan continues to push for Test honours in Wallaby gold.

“It’s pretty awkward, he’s right there,” Larkham said post-game with a smile, while sitting next to the uncapped Wallabies prospect.

“He’s had an outstanding year, I think a real breakout year for him. His leadership off the field has always been outstanding, his leadership 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, super composed going into the game and then on the field, just really composed and that’s what you need in big games right? You need your nine-10 combination who don’t get phased by the pressure that comes on.”

Both the Queensland Reds and Brumbies scored first in their tour games against the Lions, and you could genuinely feel the energy and buzz at the ground when that happened. The Western Force and NSW Waratahs didn’t cross first but did put up impressive fights themselves.

But the theme in the Lions’ first two games on Australian soil was their class during the second term, with the visitors taking emphatic control. The Tahs game in Sydney was a bit of an exception, as the hosts kept themselves in the contest before going down 21-10.

The Brumbies became the first Australian side in 2025 to put four tries on the Lions, including Corey Toole’s effort in the 36^th minute. It was a two-point game with half-time rapidly approaching, but Marcus Smith crossed late to extend the Lions’ lead.

Both teams scored two converted tries each during the second half, with the Lions also adding three points via a surprise penalty goal to their score. While the Brums fell short of their goal, which was a win over the Lions, it was still an unforgettable experience.

“To run out in front of all those people, it’s something I’ll never forget,” Lonergan told reporters.

“Hope everyone enjoyed it in the stands. Disappointing that we couldn’t get the result but it was a quality game and maybe it’s something that rugby in Canberra has been waiting for. Maybe it’s going to kick-start us back up and hopefully our numbers grow next year.

“I can say it was just one of the most enjoyable games I’ve played here in Canberra, purely because of the atmosphere.”