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Telegraph
2 days ago
- Sport
- Telegraph
These are the 25 greatest moments in Lions history
As Andy Farrell's class of 2025 prepare to begin their schedule in Dublin against Argentina on Friday night, history will be weighing on their shoulders. They are walking in the footsteps of sporting giants. Recency bias and more readily available video clips mean the modern tours have greater representation in this list, but a run-down should stir excitement for what lies ahead over the coming weeks. Here are my greatest 25 British and Irish Lions moments. Click here to vote for your favourite among our top 10. 25. Zebo rolls the dice, 2013 Unfiltered footage of the inner sanctum has become more difficult to get through censors, which makes it rarer to glimpse any truly organic levity. Back in 2013, though, we were treated to a highly amusing glimpse of tour life. Simon Zebo, a late call-up who became a popular squad man, was fined for telling Conor Murray to kick the ball out while there was still time to play in the first half of a midweek meeting with the Rebels. 📁 Lions Tours └ 📁 Fines Meeting └ 📁 Phone calls @SimonZebo 's call from 2013 will forever be one of the iconic #LionsRugby moments 😂 You can watch Lions Raw, our 2013 documentary on @SkySports Arena tomorrow at 10pm 📺 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) February 1, 2021 His punishment, determined by a dice roll, was ringing his Munster coach, Rob Penney, to ask about the captaincy for the following campaign. It was funny enough to have become a tradition, as we know from Finn Russell cold-calling Johann van Graan, his Bath boss, in 2021. 24. Monye's run to redemption, 2009 Selected for the opener of a brutal series against the Springboks 16 years ago, Ugo Monye was dropped for the second Test after a scruffy performance in a tight defeat. He returned for a dead rubber in Johannesburg and put the Lions on course for a restorative win by intercepting Wynand Olivier and sprinting 70 metres. Defence coach Shaun Edwards followed his wing most of the way. 🗓️ #OTD in 2009 @ugomonye raced clear to secure a 28-9 @lionsofficial 🦁 victory over the @Springboks 🇿🇦 😲 Was this really eleven years ago?! Want to remind yourself of what went on that day? 📺 HIGHLIGHTS 👉 — Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 4, 2020 Monye was not the only player to achieve catharsis, either. Phil Vickery, undone by Tendai Mtawarira a fortnight previously, was far more robust in the scrummaging exchanges and left the field chanting 'Beast' to mimic South Africa 's supporters. 23. Irvine's high five, 1977 While exploits in Test matches have been prioritised here, Andy Irvine's five-try performance against King Country-Wanganui set a record and is worthy of inclusion. The fourth was sparked by a Phil Bennett jig in the back-field that looks similar to the start of Gareth Edwards's score for the Barbarians in 1973. Bennett jinked past two before Irvine arrived on the scene to exchange passes with Steve Fenwick. The pace and balance of the Scotland full-back was condensed in a finish in which he confounded three more defenders. 22. Shaw's Test shirt, 2009 Noble defeats, of which the Lions have endured many, have been kept to a minimum on this list. But Simon Shaw's contribution to a frankly savage encounter at Loftus Versfeld also represented a first Test for the lock, 12 years after he had first toured with the Lions in 1997. He was monumental. Having poured his soul into a mighty individual performance, Shaw was heartbroken. 'I would rather have been taken off at half-time for playing poorly and have won this game than been man of the match,' he told Graham Simmons of Sky Sports in a memorable post-match interview. 21. Gibbs breaks down the door, 1997 As physical statements go, the clattering carry with which Scott Gibbs bounced off Os du Randt, the colossal Springboks prop, was immensely powerful. The Lions were trailing 10-6 at that stage, just after half-time of the second Test, yet would overhaul their hosts from there. Gibbs's offload to Jeremy Davidson complemented his trademark charge. Happy 50th Birthday to the fastest prop in world rugby, Scott Gibbs 😆 As if we needed another excuse to watch Car Crash bouncing off Os du Randt… 😏 #LionsRugby — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 23, 2021 20. Gadget Geoff, 2013 He would only end up with three caps for the Wallabies, but Jesse Mogg was in electric form in 2013 and had already beaten the Lions twice, with the Brumbies and then in the second Test, when the series decider rolled around. Off the bench early, he latched onto a Kurtley Beale offload and glided into open space. Geoff Parling's desperate – and somewhat unlikely – tap-tackle forced a turnover, foreshadowing a comprehensive win for Warren Gatland's men. 19. Itoje and The White Stripes, 2017 As those who toured South Africa in the grip of Covid and played in deserted stadiums will attest, Lions tours are made by the hordes of travelling supporters. That connection was illustrated beautifully as Maro Itoje, just 22 and in the midst of an extraordinary breakthrough, left the field after a 24-21 defeat of the All Blacks in Wellington. 🎶 Oooooooo (happy birthday) Maro Itoje!!! 🎶 Ooooooo (happy birthday) Maro Itoje!!! One of the sounds of the summer - Happy Birthday Maro! — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) October 28, 2017 Tries from Taulupe Faletau and Conor Murray had rescued the Lions, and fans were rapturous. 'Oh, Maro Itoje', to the rhythm of Seven Nation Army, echoed around the Cake Tin. Alun Wyn Jones, on the third of his four tours, watched his junior engine-room partner soak up the adulation. 18. Robinson tears up the script, 2001 Despite the code-hopper plundering five tries in a warm-up game against a hapless Queensland President's XV towards the beginning of the tour, there were still doubts hanging over the decision to pick Jason Robinson for the Test series. Happy Birthday to @Jason15Robinson - scorer of *THAT* try in 2001! Have a great day Jason 🎂 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) July 30, 2017 Those were dispelled – obliterated, really – before three minutes had elapsed. Quick hands from Scott Quinnell, Jonny Wilkinson and Matt Perry found Robinson close to the touchline. Chris Latham, the Wallabies full-back, was unbalanced and bamboozled in the space of a phone box. Robinson slammed the ball into the Brisbane turf and punched the air. A compelling series, eventually won by the hosts, was under way. 17. Davies the one-man wall, 2017 Winning a player-of-the-series gong against the reigning world champions is about as good as it gets and Jonathan Davies should be viewed as a great Lion. His 2013 tour in Australia was about trucking runs. Four years on against the All Blacks, his defensive contributions were more prominent. One thumping tackle on Jordie Barrett at Eden Park, causing the latter to slice a clearance into touch, sticks in the mind. 16. Kangaroo court, 1997 The presence of two fines sessions in this list is not meant to champion irresponsible drinking. Instead, it should indicate the importance of what goes on behind the veil. Clearly, there is a balance to be struck and some aspects of the Lions must remain sacrosanct. That said, Living with the Lions in 1997 was the original and best documentary. Players and coaches weren't going to be able to get away with anything in 1997, not with The Honourable Lord Chief Justice Fester presiding 👨⚖️ Happy Birthday Keith Wood 🎉 #LionsRugby — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 27, 2021 From Martin Johnson's stitches against Natal to an episode that depicts journalists waiting for a Scott Gibbs disciplinary, it is a fascinating watch. An old-school kangaroo court, with Ieuan Evans and Keith Wood wearing wigs and Neil Jenkins sporting an eye-patch, is riotous. It also leaves you with the sense that various threads of rugby union run from the grass roots up to the elite level. 15. Hastings ousts the All Blacks, 1993 While the 1993 trip to New Zealand yielded an overall record of six losses from 13 matches, the Test series was taken to the wire thanks to a win in Wellington that is regarded as one of the finest results the Lions have achieved. 🏉Morris➡️Guscott➡️Underwood🙌 #OnThisDay in 1993, Rory Underwood scored a sensational try as the Lions beat New Zealand 20-7 #AllForOne — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 26, 2017 Captain Gavin Hastings played through the pain of a hamstring issue to land four penalties, Rory Underwood bagged an excellent try and burly Ben Clarke was a focal point for the pack. 14. An angle to die for, 2013 You could pick out a few defining images from the 41-16 thrashing of Australia that vindicated the Wales-heavy line-up assembled by Warren Gatland. Alex Corbisiero, a late replacement, rolled over the whitewash to set the tone and both Leigh Halfpenny and Johnny Sexton were exceptional. What a moment in 2013 and one we won't forget anytime soon! Happy Birthday @Jamiehuwroberts We hope you've been practising those running lines... 😉 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) November 8, 2019 Jamie Roberts's running line for the fourth and final try, which carved the Wallabies directly from a line-out, put a powerful full stop on a big win in Sydney. 13. Telfer takes on Everest, 1997 We have been treated to several special team talks and there should be honourable mentions for Andy Farrell's 'hurt arena' as well as Alun Wyn Jones's 'no tomorrow' in 2013. Sir Ian McGeechan's pre-match tears in 2009 remain moving, as well. Jim Telfer was on ferocious form in this department in 1997. His ode to the 'honest player' is magnificent, though the Everest imagery in a forwards meeting prior to the first Test crystallises the essence of the Lions. "This is your Everest" Wishing Lions legend Jim Telfer a very happy birthday with a speech that never gets old... — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) March 17, 2017 'The easy bit is past,' he told a group including Tom Smith and Keith Wood, with orange netting across chairs in the meeting room to signify how low their body positions would need to be. 'Selection for the Test team is the easy bit. You have an awesome responsibility on the eight individual forwards' shoulders. Awesome responsibility. This is your f------ Everest boys. Very few get a chance, in rugby terms, to topple Everest. You have a chance today… to win for the Lions in a Test match is the ultimate.' Telfer went on to reinforce what South Africa thought of the Lions scrum; that is to say, not very much. When he was done, the circle sat in silence for 20 seconds or so, spines tingling, no doubt. It was a formidable piece of oratory. 12. Waltzing O'Driscoll, 2001 Two tries from the same Test match might seem excessive. Brian O'Driscoll's surge up the guts of the Gabba, though, deserves to go up in lights. From the very start of the second half, the Lions moved the ball to their left before coming back into the middle. The 22-year-old O'Driscoll, who had already set up a score for Daffyd James in a sensational all-round performance, took a pass from Jonny Wilkinson and pierced the Wallabies line between Jeremy Paul and Nathan Grey. Oh. My. BOD. What a try from the talismanic @BrianODriscoll 👏 @SkySports are showing all three of the 2001 Tests against Australia back-to-back on Sky Sports Arena tomorrow morning from 7am 🤩 #LionsRugby — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) January 12, 2021 Matthew Burke was promptly beaten by a step off the centre's right foot and O'Driscoll had the pace to stave off a covering Joe Roff as well. Almost a quarter of a century later, the tone of the television commentary from Miles Harrison perfectly encapsulates its wonder: 'Oh, he's gone through… Ooooh, he's going!' 11. Warburton's diplomacy, 2017 Kieran Read might not care for this memory, given he was imploring referee Romain Poite to stick with his initial decision to penalise Ken Owens for offside from the restart that followed Owen Farrell's long-range penalty, which had tied the scores at 15-15 in a tense decider at Eden Park. On his second tour as captain, Sam Warburton somehow encouraged Poite to reconsider. 🗓️ #OTD in 2017... Romaine Poite's "deal"!!! Warren Gatland re-lives the tense final moments of the 3rd @lionsofficial test v @AllBlacks in the company of @JamesGemmell_TV & @skysportsmiles. Was it the right call!? Full Episode 👉 — Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) July 8, 2020 The secret, as the back-rower would later explain, was maintaining a veneer of calm and keeping quiet. 'I went up to Romain and said: 'You have to check.' I didn't say what for, but I remember saying: 'You have to check the video. You've got to take a look.'' Television match official George Ayoub was enlisted and the Lions escaped with an accidental offside thanks in part to the composure of their captain. 10. North announces himself, 2013 A two-for-one entry here, chiefly to fit in as many moments as possible and spread them around the tours. George North's try in the first Test in 2013 should rank among the greatest ever individual efforts for the famous invitational side. Fielding a clearance from Berrick Barnes, the hulking wing put on some dainty footwork to leave two defenders sprawling. North appeared to stumble thanks to James O'Connor's desperate flail, but accelerated into the open and bounced off his right foot to go around Barnes. This simply never gets of the greatest test tries in Lions history! Happy Birthday @George_North 😃 #LionsSA2021 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) April 13, 2020 The gesture towards Will Genia was apt in a competitive series, which featured another formidable feat from North a week later. Israel Folau was lifted onto the back of the Lions No 11 in a brief yet eye-popping show of strength. 9. Dawson's dummy, 1997 'Call out their names, think about them now: Kruger, Venter, Teichmann – they're all gonna get it.' Martin Johnson's gee-up in the Lions changing room prior to the first Test at Newlands, where he identified the famed Springboks back row, came home to roost in the second half when two of the trio – André Venter and Gary Teichmann – ate up an outrageous, hooked dummy from Matt Dawson. Dawson's cheek... #OnThisDay in 1997, @matt9dawson 's audacious dummy saw him score in the corner More: — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 21, 2017 André Joubert, the South Africa full-back, and opposite man Joost van der Westhuizen also fell for the audacious faint, allowing the Lions scrum-half to bustle over the try-line after foxing four defenders. 8. O'Brien caps a stunner, 2017 The series opener in 2017 amounted to a tactical clinic from the All Blacks, who were good value for a 30-15 victory. They narrowed up their attack to nullify the Lions' rush defence and pulled clear thanks to Rieko Ioane's double. There were flashes of defiance from the tourists, the brightest arriving five minutes before half-time from Aaron Cruden's hooked chip. With the Lions trailing 13-3, Anthony Watson turned to gather and located Liam Williams deep inside the tourists' 22. #OTD in 2017 a moment of greatness was forever etched into #LionsRugby history 🦁 That moment was @SeanOBrien1987 's try 💯🔥 #LionsRugby — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 24, 2021 A gorgeous step evaded Kieran Read and Williams slipped between Cruden and Sonny Bill Williams with the help of Ben Te'o's subtle block. Jonathan Davies linked up with his full-back and Elliot Daly injected impetus. When Davies received a return pass, the Lions were about 15 metres from glory and a spinning offload allowed Sean O'Brien to dive over. 7. Ballymore fisticuffs and a forgotten finish, 1989 Condoning violence is not the way to go, but Lions stories cannot be told without it. There was at least a somewhat comical slant to how a scrap between two scrum-halves – Robert Jones and Nick Farr-Jones – instigated a mass brawl at Ballymore in the second Test. Indeed, the punch-up was so spectacular that Jeremy Guscott's solo try, from a grubber that the youngest player in the squad recovered in the shadow of Australia's posts, is perhaps underappreciated. Finlay Calder was another hero of a pivotal performance inspired by Sir Ian McGeechan's bold selection. 6. Evans' opportunism, 1989 Chris Handy, the Australian commentator, who delivered a scathing line that will have reflected the view of a nation as David Campese threw a surprise pass to Greg Martin that fell into the lap of Ieuan Evans. 'You don't wear a green and gold jersey to pull out that sort of Mickey Mouse rugby,' fumed Handy. Evidently familiar with the unpredictable excellence of Campese, Evans had been ready for any eventuality and pounced to score the try that snuck the Lions to a 2-1 series win. 5. More clutch Guscott, 1997 The Guscott-McGeechan double act would vanquish South Africa eight years later, too, the Bath centre slotting a close-range drop goal to get past the wounded Springboks in Durban. It more than made up for Guscott's ballooned effort in Cape Town the previous weekend, which caused Jim Telfer to growl in the stands. #ThrowbackThursday to this day in 1997 when Jeremy Guscott kicked *that* drop-goal to secure victory over South Africa... 🙌 #TBT #OnThisDay — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 28, 2018 4. JJ seals immortality, 1974 Scoring a brace of tries in two of the four Test matches as part of what is widely considered to be the greatest Lions tour of all time; what a feat for JJ Willliams. His second in the third Test at Boet Erasmus Stadium, from a kick-return that featured JPR Williams and Dick Milliken, showcased the wing's speed and put the result beyond doubt. A word here, too, for JJ Williams' second in the second Test at Loftus Versveld, fashioned by another breakout from Phil Bennett, who was close to untouchable on that tour. The forwards linked beautifully and Gareth Edwards scampered down the touchline – sound familiar? – before JJ Williams followed up. 3. 'The King' ascends, 1971 It is far more apt for Gareth Edwards to describe the majesty of Barry John and how it was epitomised by the latter's try in the third Test against New Zealand in Wellington. Edwards had spun a pass back into the pocket to find his fly-half, and enjoyed a perfect view thereafter. John was poised for a drop-goal attempt, but slipped to his left, sold a dummy and stepped to the right. 'He decided to run the ball, which most people wouldn't have because, defensively, they were all there waiting to devour him,' Edwards said. 'I can only describe it as mesmerising; waltzing through and scoring a try with the opposition clapping him.' 2. JPR strikes for glory, 1971 Another brilliant intervention that would cause jaws to drop today, JPR Williams' 45-metre drop goal was a fitting way for the 1971 Lions to rubber-stamp their triumph over the All Blacks. Mervyn Davies was a star, but the resolute full-back had the final word. The ball reached him after a string of flung offloads. Williams took aim and sent it sailing over the crossbar. #OnThisDay a full 48-years ago... @WelshRugbyUnion legend JPR Williams kicked a monster drop-goal in the fourth and final match of the 1971 Tour of New Zealand to draw the match and ensure we won the series. We're loving the black and white footage! 👌 — British & Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) August 14, 2019 Even if he would have had a while to weigh up the opportunity, his conviction was quite something. As it happened, the decisive kick, which led to a 14-14 draw that won the series 2-1 for the Lions, had been foretold by Williams himself. 'It was the end of a long tour and at that stage a lot of the guys were a little homesick,' he later recalled. 'On the bus going to the game I thought I would try to make them all laugh. I said I would drop a goal. Obviously no one believed me.' 1. The Battle of Boet Erasmus, 1974 This revered and rugged occasion has already been alluded to via the scoring spree of JJ Williams, but the victory as a whole – and how it sealed the major achievement of an unbeaten, 22-game tour – puts it at the pinnacle. The names of those that landed it have been committed to folklore. Ian McGeechan was in the centres, with Ian McLauchlan and Bobby Windsor in the front row alongside Fran Cotton. The Lions back row comprised Roger Uttley, Fergus Slattery and Mervyn Davies. And, of course, captain Willie-John McBride is arguably the most totemic figure in Lions history. His '99' call symbolised a desire for the Lions to stick together and stand up for themselves, which they did magnificently to prevail 26-9 in a primal contest of the utmost intensity. There were four matches left for the 1974 Invincibles, including a 13-13 draw in the final Test, though Port Elizabeth was where legends were forged. Have your say...
The Irish Sun
6 days ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
Leinster mascot hilariously ambushes former Munster star Simon Zebo live on air after URC Grand final
FORMER Munster star Simon Zebo has never hidden his feelings about Leinster. So when Advertisement 2 Leo the Lion ambushed Simon Zebo live on Premier Sports Credit: PREMIER SPORT 2 The hilarious moment came after Leinster won the URC final Leinster handed the Bulls some payback after two prior URC knockout defeats with a The win was their first piece of silverware in four years, and the celebrations came thick and fast on the pitch and in the Premier Sports pitch side booth. Former Munster ace Zebo, who was on punditry duty, could barely hide his dismay as his old rivals lifted the URC trophy. He sarcastically said: 'I am... over the moon, as you can see!' Advertisement READ MORE ON RUGBY Seconds later, a simple mutter of 'oh no' revealed even more. Then came the ambush. Leinster mascot Leo the Lion jumped on Zebo live on air, a moment that had his fellow pundits in stitches. Though the cameras missed the leap itself, the aftermath was captured perfectly. Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union Breaking Zebo laughed before cracking a smile: 'Get off me. I was going to give him a left hook into the head!' Speaking post-match, Zebo admitted Leinster deserved the triumph. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' He added: '[I was] talking to Schalk Brits up there during the game. 'This has Jacques Nienaber's fingerprints all over it. Where the Bulls are strong, that's where we're going to go after. Advertisement 'They went after the maul, they went after the scrum. Kicking contest, Leinster were by far the better side. "It's a ballsy performance but a lot of credit has to go to Leinster, they performed really well.'
BBC News
6 days ago
- Sport
- BBC News
United Rugby Championship Final - Build-up to Leinster v Bulls
Update: Date: 16:56 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Simon ZeboFormer Munster and Ireland winger on Premier Sports The weather conditions turn it into a territorial battle and a set-piece battle where I fancy the Bulls. Update: Date: 16:55 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Mark StrangeBBC Sport NI at Croke Park Leo the Lion has just led a thunder clap around Croke Park and the atmosphere is crackling! The weather certainly hasn't dampened anyone's spirits. Update: Date: 16:54 BST Title: 'Everyone loves to hate Leinster' Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Joe McCarthy says Leinster will be using perceived ill will as fuel in their quest for silverware today. Leo Cullen's side beat last year's champions Glasgow Warriors 37-19 at Aviva Stadium last week to book their place at Croke Park this evening. The Irish province have had a point to prove after being stunned at home by Northampton Saints in the Investec Champions Cup semi-finals as they aim to avoid a fourth consecutive season without a trophy. "We know everyone loves to hate Leinster. That definitely drives us on," lock McCarthy told RTE after the Glasgow game. "We've a great fanbase. We don't really care about the outside noise, what you guys [the media] or other people say." Read more. Update: Date: 16:52 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) They must build them differently in Potchefstroom. RG Snyman and Marcell Coetzee never overlapped at the Bulls but they hail from the same hometown in the north of South Africa. Coetzee is well known to Irish rugby fans as well, of course, after spending five seasons with Ulster and starts at number eight for the visitors. Update: Date: 16:49 BST Title: Familiar faces Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Two-time World Cup winner RG Snyman won the only club medal of his career when lifting this trophy with Munster two years ago, his association with the Bulls goes all the way back to his teenage years. The 30-year-old lock, who starts on the bench this evening, represented the Bulls all the way up to Super Rugby level. Update: Date: 16:48 BST Title: Post Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Mark StrangeBBC Sport NI at Croke Park With just over fifteen minutes until kick off, the heavens have opened here at Croke Park again. It never stopped on the way down today but had cleared up briefly. However, the grey skies have never gone away and the precipitation is going to play a big part in today's proceedings. Update: Date: 16:47 BST Title: Final times in blue Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) All Black Jordie Barrett's time with Leinster has been short and he'll be out to ensure the ending is sweet this evening. The centre has frequently been brilliant for Leo Cullen's side but he'll certainly want some silverware to show for his efforts in the northern hemisphere. Leinster will, of course, miss him next season, although his replacement isn't too bad either given his his All Black team-mate Rieko Ioane will be the next star set for a short stay in Dublin. Fly-half Ross Byrne, who is on the bench, will also have his final game for Leinster this afternoon, although Cian Healy, their most-capped ever player, is not in the 23. Update: Date: 16:46 BST Title: 'It's like playing a fully international side' Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Bulls head coach Jake White speaking on Premier Sports: "We can't be playing Ireland. "I hear Luke McGrath is in now, he's got 231 games for Leinster, 19 Test matches. That's not a bad replacement to have when you lose your scrum-half. "Add Slimani, Barrett and RG, it's like playing a fully international side. "It goes without saying that they must be favourites to beat a provincial side today." Update: Date: 16:38 BST Title: A reminder of those teams Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) Leinster: J O'Brien; T O'Brien, Ringrose, Barrett, Lowe; Prendergast, McGrath; Porter, Sheehan, Clarkson, McCarthy, Ryan, Baird, Van der Flier, Conan (captain) Replacements: Kelleher, Boyle, Slimani, Snyman, Deegan, Gunne, R Byrne, Osborne. Bulls: Le Roux; Moodie, Kriel, Vorster, De Klerk; Goosen, Papier; Wessels, Grobbelaar, Louw, Wiese, Van Heerden, Van Staden, Nortje (captain), Coetzee. Replacements: Van der Merwe, Tshakweni, Smith, Kiersten, Carr, Burger, Johannes, Williams. Update: Date: 16:34 BST Title: Big blow for Leinster Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) There's huge news out of the Leinster camp this morning with Jamison Gibson-Park ruled out of this Croke Park contest. The scrum-half was named to start when the teams were announced on Friday but Luke McGrath will now wear the number nine jersey and Fintan Gunne on the bench. Gibson-Park joins fellow British and Irish Lions Tadhg Furlong and Hugo Keenan on the sidelines just six days before Andy Farrell's side begin their tour by playing Argentina across the city in the Aviva Stadium. Josh van der Flier and Garry Ringrose are back in the starting line-up, though. We'll bring you those confirmed teams in just a moment. Update: Date: 16:30 BST Title: Here we go! Content: Leinster v Bulls (17:00 BST) The United Rugby Championship all comes down to today with Leinster taking on Bulls in the final. Leo Cullen's side have been the standard-setters all season, topping the table with only two defeats from their 18 regular-season games and then seeing off Scarlets and Glasgow in the play-offs. Still, though, there's a sense that they've been off their game since their Investec Champions Cup defeat since by Northampton Saints last month. The Bulls have proven to be tough opposition in the past too - can the Irish province seal a ninth league title this evening? Stay with us to find out!
Irish Daily Mirror
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Daily Mirror
Simon Zebo: Leinster's new siege mentality and 'arrogant' approach of the past
Simon Zebo claims arrogance is part of the reason why Leinster are desperate to break a four-year wait for silverware on former Munster and Ireland star doesn't believe that the Blues are over their Champions Cup hangover, despite looking more focused against Glasgow in the URC semi-final last he believes the siege mentality that the province has projected since their unconvincing URC quarter-final victory over Scarlets can work in their favour in the Grand Final showdown with the Bulls at Croke 2021 URC decider was the last time that Leo Cullen's charges lifted a trophy. Since then, they have come so close in the Champions Cup but fell short in two finals and two semi-finals, and that has fed into their failure to reach the URC final until now. "A bit of it would be mental," said former Munster and Ireland star Zebo. "There were a few selection calls in the past. When Munster beat them in that semi-final (in 2023), they rested a lot of the bigger players and it was a very weakened team. "There were a couple of little arrogant things through selection. But when they're fully loaded, they're an incredible team. It's a bit of a headache. Now those players have to play three games back to back to back. "Will the third one sting them? I don't know. They usually rotate quite a lot. It's not all mental, but it's part of it for sure." Speaking after last weekend's semi-final win over Glasgow, Joe McCarthy claimed 'everyone loves to hate Leinster so that definitely drives us on'. Zebo believes such a mindset could benefit Leinster after a succession of play-off failures. "They're probably out to prove people wrong and that will probably help," he said."Their previous mentality hasn't worked so I suppose going in with a fresh mindset, maybe Jack Nienaber might have had some insight there, he's a brilliant motivator and gets the players going."I don't like Leinster, just because they're rivals. Munster dislike them and they dislike Munster, that's no problem. It's like Barcelona and Real Madrid in soccer. Of course you don't like your rivals - but I don't think the general public hate Leinster as much as maybe they believe inside the camp. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong."However Zebo does believe opposition coaches are right to mention the gulf that exists between their clubs and Leinster in terms of finance and resources."There's 15 internationals or maybe more, I don't know how many internationals they have," said the former Ireland star. "They have 12 Lions, the biggest representation ever. They have loads of money, they have private schools. They have everything. "They have a different mindset to other teams who are backs against the wall and underdogs and stuff. I can see why other coaches (say that). "They are favourites in nearly every game for a reason, you know. They have a class team, class players. So yeah, they're not hated - but people want to see the underdogs win and they're never the underdogs."For many, Leinster's 37-19 victory over the defending champions last week was a welcome return to normality after their Champions Cup disappointment. Zebo doesn't agree that the hangover is over. "No, I thought Glasgow were poor," he stressed. "I thought Leinster were good without being great. The Bulls will be very different."I felt Leinster did up their game and Glasgow weren't as good as I thought they would be. Again, the Bulls will definitely be better. Whether or not they win I don't know, but I'm not convinced yet. "I don't think the performances since Northampton from Leinster and those 12 Lions were back to their best rugby. Not yet anyway, but they are all capable of doing that.'When the final is over, the Lions dozen will turn their thoughts to touring - and that initial game against Argentina at the Aviva Stadium."If they were able to win collectively and get the first title over the Bulls, then they'd be walking with a little bit of a swagger into camp as opposed to being on the edge," said Zebo, who toured in 2013 when the Lions were last in Australia."It would boost their confidence a bit but there's other confident lads there too. There's top operators across the board, not just that Leinster contingent. 'For sure it will definitely help the confidence and the momentum, especially with the Lions core being Irish-heavy. If those lads perform and pick up the URC that will bring a lot of confidence back and it will bode well for the squad as a whole. 'So it is a pretty important fixture this week. There is a lot of pressure on Leinster and looking down the line at the Lions and form and getting picked then this match has huge significance, for sure.'
Irish Examiner
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Irish Examiner
Simon Zebo: Leinster's URC final has big role to play in larger Lions picture
Simon Zebo believes Leinster's experience in this Saturday's BKT URC final at Croke Park will have 'huge significance', both for them and for the entire British and Irish Lions squad, later in the summer. Andy Farrell broke the record for representatives from one club when choosing so many boys in blue for the trip Down Under, but the province as a whole has flattered to deceive yet again at the tail end of a campaign. A Champions Cup semi-final loss to Northampton Saints, bad in its own right, was followed by an obvious hangover in URC ties against Glasgow and Scarlets, before signs of an upswing against the Warriors last week. Farrell will be heavily invested as he watches them take on the Bulls in Croke Park. 'For sure, it will definitely help the confidence and the momentum, especially with the Lions core being Irish-heavy. If those lads perform and pick up the URC, that will bring a lot of confidence back and it will bode well for the squad as a whole. 'So it is a pretty important fixture this week,' Zebo agreed. 'There is a lot of pressure on Leinster and, looking down the line at the Lions and form and getting picked, then this match has huge significance, for sure.' The 37-19 defeat of the Scots at the Aviva Stadium last weekend will have come as some relief to the club's supporters. Leinster claimed six tries against Franco Smith's side and were much more comfortable than that scoreline suggests. And yet. Zebo was in Ballsbridge working on the game for Premier Sports and he watched the second-semi-final between the Bulls and the Sharks in full immediately after. He has no doubt that Leinster aren't humming again yet. 'No. I thought Glasgow were poor. I thought Leinster were good without being great. The Bulls will be very different, but I said that after the Scarlets. I felt Leinster did up their game and Glasgow weren't as good as I thought they would be. 'Again, the Bulls will definitely be better. Whether or not [Leinster] win I don't know but I am not convinced yet. I don't think the performances since Northampton from Leinster and those 12 Lions has been back to their best rugby. 'Not yet anyway, but they are all capable of doing that.' The Lions context aside, this is a huge game for Leo Cullen, his team and the organization at large given the recent history of defeats in big knockout games since winning their last trophy – the last ever PRO14 title – in 2021. Zebo agrees that some of their deficiencies have been mental but added that there 'were a couple of little arrogant things through selection' in there too, most obviously when they rotated so heavily for a URC semi-final against Munster two years ago. Backs are clearly against the wall in the capital. Joe McCarthy all but admitted as much when he spoke to RTÉ after the semi-final and put it out there that everyone hated Leinster. The old siege mentality approach. 'They're probably out to prove people wrong and that will probably help. Their previous mentality hasn't worked so I suppose going in with a fresh mindset, maybe Jacques Nienaber might have had some insight there. 'He's a brilliant motivator and gets the players going. I don't like Leinster, just because they're rivals, so you know what I mean? Munster dislike them and they dislike Munster, that's no problem. It's like Barcelona and Real Madrid in soccer. "Of course you don't like your rivals, but I don't think the general public hate Leinster as much as maybe they believe inside camp. I don't know, maybe I'm wrong.' As for his own province, Munster will have just one player on tour in Australia this summer in Tadhg Beirne. It is the province's lowest representation since the 1997 series win in South Africa. Something to think about before the 2029 trip to New Zealand. 'Individual ambitions for the players? Absolutely. I know Craig Casey would be one of those expecting to go on that next Lions tour. With his form he could have potentially gone on this tour. You have Jack Crowley potentially in the same boat. 'You have someone like Calvin Nash who wants to break back onto the international scene and potentially go on a Lions tour. Then people like Alex Kendellen and Tom Ahern: there could potentially be a big swing in representation from this tour to the next.' Simon Zebo teamed up with BoyleSports to preview the British & Irish Lions Tour. BoyleSports will Pay Out Early if either side goes 17 points ahead at any stage.
