Only way is up for ACT Brumbies, says George Gregan

The injury, the same one that cut down Australia halfback Sam Cordingley at the peak of his form three years ago, will keep the four-Test hooker out of rugby for at least six months. It is still too early to say whether the setback, another dark legacy of Saturday's humiliating 29-20 loss to the Lions, will prevent him from taking up his contract with Saracens club.
Edmonds' Test front-row partner Salesi Ma'afu is facing an eight to 12-week stint on the sideline with a broken forearm which puts an end to his World Cup hopes and there will be no cavalry-like return from rising tighthead Dan Palmer against the Western Force in Perth on Saturday after it was decided his foot injury would require another fortnight to mend.

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Meanwhile, Brumbies legend George Gregan could see only one positive in the side's loss to the Lions - things can only improve from here.
Gregan will meet this week with incoming coach Jake White to map out what his precise involvement will be with the Brumbies next season. But all indications are that he will be used periodically as a coaching consultant to work specifically with the team's halves.
"I'd love to be involved, but I haven't had those discussions yet," said Gregan, who was nominated by White on the day of his appointment as Brumbies head coach for the next four seasons as a key ex-ACT player he wanted to get involved.
The former Wallabies captain was loathe to criticise the Brumbies following their loss to the Lions - only the second win for the Johannesburg-based side in 25 matches - and attempted instead to look on the bright side.
"There is only one way to go now and that's up," Gregan said. "It will be good for Jake to get in there and start rebuilding the team."
That process will not begin until the start of July although White will visit the Brumbies' Canberra base today for the first time to meet chief executive Andrew Fagan and other senior officials and will make the trip to Perth for the Force match.
During his visit White is expected to lock in his coaching staff for next year, with all indications he will run a lean operation. Former Brumbies head coach Laurie Fisher will serve as his forwards coach, Steve Larkham as his backs coach and Gregan and former Wallabies boss Eddie Jones acting as consultants and sounding boards.
Former Wallabies strength and conditioning coach Dean Benton, the Brisbane Broncos' former performance director, is expected to be given the task of whipping the Brumbies back into shape.
Former Brumbies and Australia hooker Jeremy Paul admitted one of the saddest sights of his long involvement with the club was that of disillusioned fans leaving Canberra Stadium before the end of the Lions match, the first time he had ever witnessed such a sight.
"It's very difficult for any loyal supporter to stay there and watch that sort of performance," Paul said. "I thought the criticism that Tony Rea (the Brumbies' interim coach) made after the game was spot-on. The hard things should be said. None of the players is being asked to give more than he can provide."
Historically Canberra is a two-team town. If the Brumbies are going badly, fans stream over to the Raiders. When the Raiders are failing, the Brumbies draw the bumper crowds. But at present both are in the wars.