‘Up there with the best’: Brumbies captain on Jamison Gibson-Park duel

Ryan Lonergan is embracing the challenge that awaits this week, with the ACT Brumbies skipper set to start opposite possibly “the best halfback in the world.” Ireland’s Jamison Gibson-Park will start at halfback for the British & Irish Lions, with Alex Mitchell named on the bench.

Lonergan has played against some of the best halfbacks in the southern hemisphere, such as Tate McDermott and Cam Roigard this year alone. Both McDermott and Roigard started Tests last weekend for their respective nations, and Gibson-Park poses another tough task.

Gibson-Park only started six of 35 matches for the Hurricanes between 2014 and 2016 before moving overseas, signing with European juggernauts Leinster. It didn’t take long for the New Zealander to become a mainstay in matchday 23 for Leinster and later Ireland.

Stephen Larkham Brumbies presser for B&I Lions

Stephen Larkham Brumbies presser for B&I Lions

After debuting at Test level against Italy in 2020, Gibson-Park went on to become a key member of the Irish squad of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. Gibson-Park’s career reached even greater heights with a Lions debut, wearing the red jersey for the first time against the Reds.

Coach Andy Farrell paired Gibson-Park with Finn Russell in the halves against Queensland, and the two playmakers will combine once again against the Brumbies, about 10 days out from the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

“Yeah it should be good. Yeah, I agree, I think he’s probably up there with the best halfback in the world,” Lonergan told reporters on Tuesday.

“It’s been a pleasure to watch him from afar and it’ll be a pleasure to take the field against him tomorrow.”

Many would consider this Lions side to be fairly full strength ahead of the mid-week clash, with Maro Itoje returning to captain the touring side. Former Brumbies winger Mack Hansen is another player to watch, named on the bench for the Lions.

As for the Brumbies, Lonergan will lead a team that includes four Wallabies. Tom Hooper has been named at blindside flanker, set to back up for the Brumbies are playing 12 minutes off the bench for the Wallabies against Fiji on Sunday.

Hooper may get the chance to play alongside younger brother Lachie Hooper for the first time at the professional level, who has been named on the bench. Lachie is yet to debut at Super Rugby Pacific level and Tom is about to head offshore after signing with English side Exeter Chiefs.

“Hoops, he’s a machine,” Lonergan said when asked about Tom Hooper suiting up for the Brumbies after facing Fiji.

“I’m sure he probably would’ve played 80 and he would have been keen to come back and play anyway.

“Really excited to have him back. Special night for him as well to be able to play alongside his brother hopefully when he comes on.

“He’s a good character around the group and he’s got a huge motor. It’s sot of inspiring watching him go, even at training around the group.

“He’s a massive bloke and he gets through a mountain of work. He’s inspiring, sort of leads by his actions.”