Zebo brings a fearless approach to the Lions
Zebo’s Lions debut, just five days after arriving in Sydney following his call-up as injury cover for Tommy Bowe, will be against the New South Wales Waratahs at Allianz Stadium (10.30am Irish time) and while the 23-year-old is under no illusions about the competition for Test places to face the Wallabies, the Cork man is not fazed by the prospect of forcing his way onto Gatland’s team sheet for the series opener in Brisbane seven days from now.
“Of course. Why not?” Zebo said yesterday after the Lions’ final training session at the North Sydney Oval ahead of today’s game. “It’s a game of rugby. I’m going to go out and do what I do every time I play, and that’s enjoy myself, have fun playing rugby. I reckon if any player goes out and puts their best foot forward and shows what they are able to do, then they have a chance. You never go out to try and have a bad game so if I go out and have a great game, then I’ll surely be in with a shout I’d say. So, happy out.”
A week ago, Zebo was in Houston, preparing with Ireland to face the USA Eagles. Today he is in with a shout of a Lions Test jersey, his customary smile just a little wider having heard Gatland tell the media he is in a no-lose situation against the Waratahs, particularly as concerns continue over the fitness of likely Test wing George North, who suffered tightness in his hamstring during Tuesday’s game against Combined Country in Newcastle.
“There’s an opportunity there,” Zebo said. “I’m just delighted I’m being given a chance to start and show what I can do. Hopefully it all goes well, collectively we put in a performance that secures the win and, personally, if I’m able to play well enough hopefully I’ll be in with a shout but it’s all about the win.”
If North proves his fitness he is likely to be partnered by fellow Wales wing Alex Cuthbert. Zebo has been impressed by both players since joining the Lions camp.
“The two boys are extremely talented players... I can’t find too many flaws in their game. Everyone on this tour is an exceptional player. You wouldn’t be here otherwise.
“They bring exciting things to the table. So does Sean (Maitland) and Leigh (Halfpenny) and the other back three players. There’s great competition for places which drives the standard of training and during games higher.”
Zebo has been eager to get up to speed with the Lions since his arrival from the US and is honoured to finally be a part of the unique atmosphere such a tour creates, particularly given he was initially overlooked by Gatland on April 30.
“Initially all the players who aren’t called are a little disappointed but ever since then I’ve just been totally focused on Ireland and doing what I had to do with the national team,” Zebo said.
“At the back of your mind there was always a glimmer of hope that you might somehow get out there, but since that call has come there’s been nothing but focus.
“You can see how driven the lads are towards the same goal and just to be part of that is something special. I’m just glad I get the opportunity.”
That Zebo is here would have seemed unlikely in mid-February, when he broke a bone in his foot in the early stages of Ireland’s home Six Nations clash with England. The injury came just a week after making a big splash in the championship, with a try against Wales on his Six Nations debut and a headline-grabbing flick that showcased his instinctive approach.
“It was a bit of a whirlwind, those couple of weeks,” he said. “It was very, very disappointing to get injured so early in the Six Nations. I was really looking forward to it but got back pretty quick after, and got back to playing rugby and the season rolled on and here I am now. So I couldn’t be happier. We’ve a hugely exciting Test series ahead of us... I can’t wait.”
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
