Facing NZ ‘ is what I have dreamt of since I came to Ireland’

• Author: Gerry Thornley
• Published date: 09 November 2021
• Publication title: Irish Times (Dublin, Ireland)

He has been exposed to top quality coaching at both Leinster and in the national setup and has benefitted from exposure to frontline rugby in the United Rugby Championship, Heineken Champions Cup and Test level.

Stuart Lancaster has spoken of the increased self-belief which the 29-year-old has accumulated in recent times and having reached three figures in appearances for Leinster and double figures for Ireland, Gibson-Park's 11th Test last Saturday was probably his best to date.

"When I was first in the environment I would have tiptoed around a bit but I am happy to speak up a bit more now," he admitted in the aftermath of Ireland's 60-5 win over Japan, in which he identified the space for that wonderful grubber assist for Andrew Conway and scored his first try at international level with a trademark support run on Garry Ringrose's inside shoulder.

"I feel as though I am able to add my 10 cents where it is needed. Coming from New Zealand, where I suppose we play the game of movement a lot, we can have some decent insights. Hopefully going forward we can continue on this trajectory and get even better."

With Irish runners using their footwork to take contact on their terms, and the clear-outs generally being swift and decisive, admittedly Gibson-Park enjoyed quick and pretty much unfettered front-foot ball for his 58 minutes on the pitch against a very passive Japanese defence.

High tempo

But the high tempo, offloading brand of rugby was not only enjoyable for the crowd, but suited Gibson-Park to the hilt as well.

"I think, from my end anyway, it's the way the game should be played, in a positive manner. It's what the crowd wants to see. Hopefully we can keep at it. Obviously there is a lot to work on it and hopefully we'll be the better for it next week but for the most part it was a really enjoyable day.

"It was just one of those days where it was such a special occasion with a few guys reaching milestones, obviously Sheehaner [Dan Sheehan] making his debut, Tadhg [Furlong] 50 and Johnny the big 100. By no means was it all perfect but for most of it, it seemed to click so we're pretty happy with the performance I suppose."

Gibson-Park also believes it is the brand of rugby...