Australian Announcers Joke About the Lions Selection
The British and Irish Lions team has generated conversation, and not just for their performance on the field. Australian commentators in the first match of the tour found the funny side when announcing the lineup. In Perth’s Optus Stadium, the announcer highlighted four Lions players, referencing their origins.He continued, “At number 11, the New Zealander now Irishman, James Lowe… And in the front row, the former South African schoolboy now Scot, Pierre Schoeman.” The Lions responded on the field with a resounding 54-7 victory, giving their tour a good start. The origin of some Lions players was a topic of debate before the match, with Schoeman defending the right of foreign-born players to be part of the team. Eight players in Andy Farrell’s team, including Schoeman, were born outside of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. They qualified by family or long-term residency.“Our ex-Australian at number 14, Mack Hansen”, was heard in the stadium. “Another Australian at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu.”
Stadium announcer
