Super Rugby: Sunwolves face four-month road trip while Ryan Lonergan shines

The Canberra Times understands there have been high-level talks about moving the rest of the Sunwolves' home games away from Japan as the spread of coronavirus causes chaos worldwide.

The Sunwolves could be based in Queensland for the rest of the year if a deal can be made, meaning the makeshift squad will be on the road every day before they are axed from the competition at the end of the year.

The ACT Brumbies beat the Sunwolves in Wollongong on Friday afternoon after the match was relocated from Osaka following the Japan government's decision to postpone sporting events.

The major concern for officials and teams is being quarantined in Japan or when they return from Asia if travel warnings change.

Sunwolves skipper Jake Schatz said the health of players was being monitored, but they were embracing their homelessness.

"We haven't [been tested for coronavirus], but we're pretty much taking temperatures every day and we stay in hotels," Schatz said.

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"At the moment we'll be based in Sydney again next week and play the Crusaders in Brisbane. After that, we'll reassess and see where we're at. For me, it's one of those things ... that's out of your hands. You can only deal with the cards you're dealt. At the moment we're on the road. The more you let it be a factor, the more it becomes a factor. So we'll just turn up every week."

The Sunwolves were thrown together as a squad three weeks before the season started, giving them minimal time to prepare for their final Super Rugby campaign.

They've conceded 173 points in the past three games, including 47 against the Brumbies.

"We've got guys who have come straight out of university in Japan and guys who just want an opportunity," Schatz said.

"We'll learn ... Everyone in this team is here for an opportunity."

A try and five conversions from five attempts. Starting debuts don't come much better than Ryan Lonergan's after the scrumhalf ended a long wait to wear the No. 9 jersey.

Lonergan got his starting XV opportunity in his fourth season after being told to be patient with his career rise.

The former junior Wallabies captain didn't waste it, putting pressure on Joe Powell for the regular starting role and his kicking could prove to be the difference.

Lonergan has worked with sports psychologist Jeff Bond on his kicking preparation and is regarded as the best sharpshooter in the Brumbies' side.

"I felt pretty comfortable to be honest," Lonergan said. "It wasn't perfect, but it was a good win. I've always loved kicking, ever since I was a little kid. It's something I've always done and I guess it adds another string to my bow.

"I had a think [about the opportunity] before the game. But I didn't want to overthink it."

Lonergan and Noah Lolesio became the third youngest starting halves combination in Brumbies history on Friday.

AT A GLANCE

ACT BRUMBIES 47 (Ryan Lonergan, Will Miller, Rob Valetini, Toni Pulu, Tevita Kuridrani, Solomone Kata, Joe Powell tries; Ryan Lonergan 5, Reesjan Pasitoa conversions) bt JAPAN SUNWOLVES 14 (Efitusi Maafu, Michael Stolberg tries; Garth April, Jumpei Ogura conversions) at Wollongong on Friday afternoon. Referee: Federico Anselmi.