‘He’s outstanding’: Why George Gregan has been blown away by an 11-Test Wallabies halfback

He only made his Test debut a little over a year ago and has just 11 caps for the Wallabies, but halfback Ryan Lonergan has already impressed great Wallabies No.9 George Gregan so much he views him as one of Australia’s most valuable players, and even likened the Canberra star to iconic South African Fourie Du Preez.

Praise for Lonergan also came from another World Cup winning star, with Dan Carter saying his maturity and leadership can help compensate for the Wallabies’ problems at five-eighth.

Lonergan has been outstanding for the Wallabies this year, having started in every Test. After enduring a 93-game, nine-season wait for a Test debut, the 28-year-old finally got his shot off the bench at Eden Park last year.

Lonergan will be back at the All Blacks’ fortress again this week, but this time he will be wearing the No.9. He grabbed the jumper in July following injuries to Jake Gordon and Tate McDermott and, based on subsequent form, Lonergan won’t be handing it back any time soon.

With a strong passing game, the Brumbies skipper has been instrumental in marshalling the Wallabies’ red zone attack.

Lonergan’s kicking game has also been high quality, be it long, contestable or off the tee. The right-footer has kicked 30 of 33 goals since July.

Lonergan’s 17 points (seven from eight) against the Springboks in Perth was the difference in a game where both sides scored five tries. His only blemish was one of the four yellow cards.

“He’s outstanding,” Gregan said. “He’s always had a really good skill set; he’s been a very good player for a number of years. He’s been knocking on the door. The door opened and he’s run through it.

“That performance [against the Springboks] was outstanding. I know Tate is there as well, and that competition’s good. They’re different, they provide different options.

“The way Ryan controlled that game on the weekend, it really took a lot of pressure off the 10.

“He really took a lot of responsibility. He can play both sides of the ruck, which I always love. It’s basic, it’s a fundamental. A good nine can scan and play both sides.

“And his kicking game, short and long, it’s really balanced. He only missed a goal. It was an unbelievable performance.

“I was on a pod[cast], talking to [former Springbok captain] John Smit … and I said, ‘Mate, there was a glimpse of Fourie Du Preez there.’ It had that kind of look to it, and I don’t think I can give a bigger rap than that.”

Du Preez, who starred in the Boks’ 2007 World Cup win, is rated by many Test players as one of the best No.9s of the modern era, along with Gregan. Eddie Jones said it was like having an extra coach on the field when Du Preez was playing.

Despite his lack of experience at Test level, Carter said Lonergan could prove crucial to the Wallabies at the World Cup if they can’t find a consistent No.10.

“You want some stability there, but if you’re not going to have an experienced 50 to 100-cap No.10, you’ve got to have a really stable No.9, and a solid midfield partner,” Carter said.

“And they [the Wallabies] have got the talent there. I’ve been really impressed with Ryan Lonergan, and just the way he leads out on the field. He’s been patient, and he’s made the most of his opportunity. He’s been in leadership roles with the Brumbies, so he brings a calmness and a real leadership element. That will help the No.10.”

Kiss said he knew Lonergan would be an asset.

“He’s been superb to coach, and in a lot of ways, I’m not surprised,” Kiss said. “He was a thorn in our side when I was coaching [the Reds].

“He’s a quality player and a quality individual, who does the simple things well. But simple things have a big impact on our game, the way we can play the game.”

Gregan said the key for Lonergan was to carry through one of his strongest traits at the Brumbies to Test level: “It’s just about backing it up and being consistent, and he definitely has that.”

Meanwhile, the Australian under-18 side has recorded a fourth straight victory over the New Zealand Schools team with a 40-33 win in Hamilton.

Led by rising Waratah flanker Justice Taumoepeau, the Aussie under-18s trailed 19-12 at half-time but powered home in the second half with tries to Hasani Bloomfield, Harrison Asi and reserve halfback Izak Holmes.

The young Aussies had impressive performers right across the park, who will be sighted in Super Rugby in the future. Giant lock pair Jack Burton and Asi were strong, and so were back-rowers Tahj Smith and Hunter Reich.

Out wide, Wilson Ruthven was excellent in steering a back line featuring impressive centres James Smith and Taione Taka, and elusive fullback Jack Plamondon, who is a star of the future.