A brotherly rivalry is brewing between the Irish and English rugby camps, and it all started with the British and Irish Lions Tour to Australia last summer. Jamison Gibson-Park, the Irish player, believes the bonds forged during that tour have created a unique dynamic between the two nations.
This Saturday, the two sides will face off in the Six Nations encounter at Twickenham, and the players know each other all too well. With 18 Irish and 15 English players on the same Lions squad, the usual rivalry between these nations has taken on a new, family-like feel.
"There's a real mateship between us, and that adds an extra layer to the competition," Gibson-Park explained. "The inter-pros in Ireland are my favorite games because of the familiarity. It's a brotherly rivalry, and playing with these guys over the summer, getting to know them, has only intensified that feeling."
But here's where it gets controversial... Gibson-Park, who is keen to start for Ireland this week, suggests that the increased familiarity might just add an extra challenge and spice to the rivalry.
"I had to settle for the bench last weekend against Italy, but I'm ready to step up and contribute if called upon. The 6-2 bench split Ireland has been using means we all need to be versatile, and I'd even consider a new role in the backs if it meant helping the team."
So, what do you think? Is this brotherly rivalry a unique and positive development, or does it take away from the traditional intensity of Test matches? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
