Gibson-Park Reflects on Versatility and Rivalry Ahead of Six Nations Clash
Jamison Gibson-Park of Ireland has expressed that the camaraderie developed during last summer's British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia has created a "brotherly rivalry" between the Irish and English squads.
The two teams are set to face each other in their upcoming Six Nations match at Twickenham on Saturday (14:10 GMT). With 18 Irish and 15 English players having been part of the same Lions squad last summer, the players are intimately familiar with one another.
While matches between these nations have traditionally been marked by a longstanding rivalry, Gibson-Park believes that this connection has deepened and now carries a familial aspect among the players.
"I think there was a bit of 'mateship' created between us and to me, that adds to a rivalry," the 33-year-old stated during this week's press conference.
"When I think of the inter-pros in Ireland, they are my favourite games to play because you know the lads. I've spoken on it before that it's a brotherly kind of rivalry.
"We played with these guys for two months over the summer and got to know them pretty well, some great fellas. To me, that adds to the challenge and the rivalry."
In Ireland's recent win over Italy in Dublin last weekend, Gibson-Park was named among the replacements, with Munster's Craig Casey selected to start. The Leinster player is eager to secure his 49th cap as a starter this week but was content to contribute energy off the bench last time.
Ireland has adopted a bench configuration of six forwards and two backs in their initial Six Nations matches. Gibson-Park emphasized the importance of versatility among players within this structure, even humorously suggesting his willingness to take on a different position in the backs.
"It's something we have to be over the detail and be ready to do," he added.
"It's part and parcel of playing 6-2 but I'd love to get a run on the wing.
"I enjoy it and it's something I do a little bit of in training. The weeks I'm not playing with Leinster I try and get a run at full-back because ultimately, it can aid your game and give you more of an understanding, but I find it enjoyable."
