‘Gibson-Park is on another level here’
Jamison Gibson-Park has put in an ‘outrageous’ performance in Leinster’s Champions Cup semi-final against Northampton, proving why he’s widely considered the best nine in the world at the moment.
Leinster faced off against the Gallagher Premiership leaders at Croke Park in front of an 82,000 sell-out crowd, holding off a stunning comeback to win 20-17.
Whilst James Lowe will grab a lot of the headlines for his hat-trick of tries, many fans couldn’t get over Gibson-Park’s performance, and he was duly awarded the Player of the Match award.
In particular, it was the number nine’s two moments of genius in the first half that had people raving.
First, the Leinster man took a penalty quickly five metres out before floating a glorious pass to Lowe, who walked in the opening try.
Then, just five minutes later, he demonstrated a moment of brilliant improvisation. When Caelan Dorris tried to power his way over the line, the ball was flicked into the air. Without a moment’s hesitation, Gibson-Park patted the ball like a volleyball player straight to Lowe, allowing the winger to get his and Leinster’s second try.
People were full of praise for the scrum-half on social media for his “outrageous” skill.
One person wrote: “Jamison Gibson-Park plays rugby like a 6 year old does in their imagination. Outrageous stuff.”
Rúaidhrí O’Connor, the Irish Independent’s chief rugby correspondent, said: “Jamison Gibson-Park is on another level here.”
Someone else compared him to a man who might have a word or two to say about who the best nine in the world is…
“Gibson-Park is such a class act. Brilliant final passes for both tries,” another wrote.
Leinster had led 20-3 halfway through the second half, but a stirring fightback from Northampton got them to within three points with five minutes left.
But Leinster managed to hold off the East Midlands side and continue their quest for a fifth European crown.
The province will now take on either Toulouse or Harlequins in the final at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on May 25.
