- A number of British & Irish Lions players were targeted by a stadium announcer
- Gibson-Park insists he’s used to it ahead of facing Queensland Reds on Tuesday
Jamison Gibson-Park says he will not be rattled by Australian ‘wind-up’ tactics after the stadium announcer in Perth targeted the Lions’ foreign contingent.
Before the opening tour victory over the Western Force, the likes of Mack Hansen, Sione Tuipulotu and Pierre Schoeman were introduced as Kiwi, Australian and South African.
It was dig at the southern hemisphere players who have qualified for selection through eligibility laws, including New-Zealand born scrum-half Gibson-Park.
‘I don’t really care; I am used to it at this stage,’ said the No9, who plays for Ireland after moving over from Wellington in 2016.
‘I have had a fair amount of it over my years with Ireland. It is what it is – everybody is entitled to their opinion and that’s fine. I am just out there to play rugby and I’m looking forward to it. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and Aussies like to wind people up, it is part of their background but it doesn’t bother me.’
Gibson-Park was backed up by tour captain Maro Itoje, who doubled down that his team will not be distracted.
‘It’s a sport-loving country,’ said Itoje. ‘They’re aggressive competitors, a little bit chirpy, but I guess that’s the Australian way. It is what it is. That’s a minor… not even an issue – and something we don’t really pay too much attention to. It neither spurs us on nor detracts us. It’s just an off-the-cuff comment that someone makes.’
More wind-up tactics could be on the way in Brisbane tomorrow, when the Lions play their second tour match against the Queensland Reds.
Gibson-Park has recovered from a glute strain to start, although Wales scrum-half Tomos Williams has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour with a hamstring tear.
It is a devastating blow for a man who illuminated the club season in the colours of Gloucester and went on to be named Premiership Player of the Year, as he was regarded as a contender for a role in the Test series. Scotland’s Ben White has been called up to join the Lions, shortly after arriving in Auckland with his national team, to prepare for a south Pacific tour.
‘Unfortunately Tomos has been ruled out of the rest of the tour with a hamstring injury,’ said head coach Andy Farrell. ‘Ben White will join us from the Scotland squad and will fly over from New Zealand.’
‘This is desperately sad news for Tomos and we wish him all the very best in his recovery. Tomos is an exemplary Lion who has had a brilliant season. He lit up this Lions tour with both his personality and his talent.’
The Lions will face a strong Reds team at the Suncorp Stadium, featuring nine Wallabies and two All Blacks.
Wallabies prop Taniela Tupou has also been made available for the Waratahs, who face the Lions in Sydney on Saturday.
