George Gregan compares Lonergan to Fourie Du Preez after just 11 Wallabies caps
Wallabies halfback Ryan Lonergan has impressed George Gregan, who likened him to Fourie Du Preez after just 11 Test appearances.
Halfback Ryan Lonergan waited nine years and 93 games before earning his Wallabies debut last year. Ryan Lonergan has since become impossible to drop.
Starting in every Test this year, the 28-year-old Brumbies captain has caught the eye of rugby royalty. George Gregan, a Wallabies legend at No.9, said Lonergan's performance against the Springboks was outstanding.
He compared him to Fourie Du Preez, who won the 2007 World Cup and is rated among the best of the modern era. Dan Carter, another World Cup winner, praised Lonergan's maturity and leadership, saying his calmness helps whoever plays at No.10.
The coaching staff said Lonergan does the simple things well, and simple things have a big impact.
- 93 games over nine seasons
- Wait for Wallabies debut
- 11
- Current Test caps
- 28
- Lonergan's age
- 30 of 33
- Goals since July
Why it mattersLonergan's rapid rise from fringe player to potential World Cup asset shows late bloomers can still become crucial to Australia's future.
AustraliaAs the Wallabies build toward the next World Cup, Lonergan's emergence as a stable, skilled halfback offers genuine hope for ending Australia's long drought without a major trophy.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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