ACT Brumbies tackle 'the best in the world' as Super Rugby Pacific takes a turn

That's why re-signed hooker Lachlan Lonergan says the Brumbies need nothing less than a relentless 80-minute effort as Super Rugby Pacific takes a twist in Melbourne this weekend.

The Brumbies face the Otago Highlanders on Sunday in their first taste of trans-Tasman rugby this year, desperate to build on a 7-1 start that has them level at the top of the ladder.

Lonergan brothers Lachlan and Ryan have re-signed with the Brumbies until the end of 2025 in a major boost heading into a Super Round showdown with the Highlanders. Ryan says they're basically a package deal, Lachlan says they were happy to stay home for "mum's cooking".

Whatever their motive, they are the first two players of national interest to sign through to 2025, a year featuring British and Irish Lions matches both Lonergan brothers will be desperate to be a part of.

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"Obviously there is a lot coming up, but at the end of the day you've still got to play good footy to try to get there. That's what we've got to try and do," Lachlan said.

"We've just got to put our head down, work hard, and if those opportunities come it will be exciting. At the end of the day, we've just got to play good footy.

"It's going to be a good challenge [against New Zealand's Super Rugby teams]. It's kind of like a whole new season really, especially coming off that bye. The boys are looking forward to it and we're ready to rip in.

"We don't want to change what we've been doing. We've had glimpses of playing good rugby, we just need to do that for 80 minutes, and I feel like if we can do that, we'll put up a good challenge."

The path to Wallaby gold starts at club level, and long before they can dream of Lions tours, World Cups or even July's series against England, they have to battle their Super Rugby foes from across the Tasman.

The Brumbies start as slight betting favourites against the Highlanders, who have managed just one win this season against their countrymen.

"Being able to maintain pressure [is the key]. We've had a lot of handling errors in the past couple of games, and against the Kiwi teams you just can't do that because they'll capitalise on it," Ryan said.

"They have a whole lot more ball in play time than what we do, so for us being able to hold the ball and build pressure will be key.

"We've talked about that, saying the real business end of the season is starting now. We've really got to up our game to get the results against these Kiwi teams, because they're quality, they're the best in the world. Looking forward to the challenge and hopefully get some good results.

"We've got to have the mentality that we can beat them, otherwise you're starting off on the wrong foot before you even kick off. I've got no doubt we've got the team here to be able to challenge these teams and win, that's the mentality going forward."

SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC ROUND 10

Sunday: Otago Highlanders v ACT Brumbies at Melbourne Rectangular Stadium, 2pm. Broadcast live on Stan Sport.

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