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Lions scare as Leinster pull Jamison Gibson-Park from URC Final
By Ian Cameron
British & Irish Lions staff will be closely monitoring the fitness of Leinster half-back Jamison Gibson-Park, who has been ruled out of their United Rugby Championship final with the Bulls just hours before kick-off.
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The 33-year-old scrum-half – who is widely expected to start for Andy Farrell’s Lions this summer in the series against the Wallabies in Australia – was withdrawn on the morning of the clash with the Bulls in Dublin.
Leinster issued the following update on X: “Squad Update: unfortunately Jamison Gibson-Park has been ruled out this morning. Best of luck to Luke McGrath who starts and Academy scrum-half Fintan Gunne named on the bench.”
The news hands McGrath a late call-up to the starting XV, while 21-year-old Gunne steps in as cover on the bench.
It’s a major blow for Leinster who face Jake White’s Bulls, who have beaten the Irish province twice in the knock-out stage of the URC, at Croke Park at 5 pm.
The exact nature of the injury has not as yet been disclosed. Gibson-Park appeared to train as normal during the captain run’s on Friday at GAA headquarters.
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Eye gouging isn't even a ‘harsh yellow’ nowadays.
Just a routine penalty?
He was lucky boy it was early in the game, which shouldn’t be an excuse either. It was clear as day. He probably thought if he gave a yellow it could have been upgraded to a red. Either way a brain fart by Vorster and luckily it hasn’t altered the game so far.
With it pouring rain, no JGP, the Bulls scrums and physicality… Bulls have a better chance, but still missing 6 vital players. Compared to Leinster who is almost full strength.
The Bulls chances improved slightly
Definitely. JGP is an important cog in the Leinster machine.