Page 15 - MAB v The Lions

PROFILE
Renowned for his big carries and ability to punch holes in any defence Auckland-born Ben Te’o has already make a a a a a a a mark on on this series – and don’t expect him to let up any time soon WORDS: ROBERT KITSON
THIS BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TOUR IS IS IS IS approaching its customary moment of of truth Impress in in in in any of of the matches from here on on out and Test recognition will also be within touching
distance for players who might not have featured on on Head Coach Warren Gatland’s “probable” list even a a a a a a a a a a a a a a few weeks ago It’s the the reality of modern Lions tours: for all concerned it’s about seizing the the the moment In the the case of Ben Te’o that has become a a a a a a a a a recurring speciality Wherever he he he he he goes – – Australian rugby rugby league Irish or English rugby rugby union – – he he he he invariably rises to to the big occasion and this tour is is is is maintaining that useful trend The Lions are yet to to conclusively settle on on on on on their optimum mid eld combination but 30-year-old Te’o is rmly in in the the the mix If he he he does face the the All Blacks it’ll complete a a a a a a a a a a a remarkable clutch of honours: few players win international caps in in in in both rugby rugby codes and and and feature in in in in in a a a a a a a a a a a a victorious NRL grand nal nal even fewer know how it feels to to play State of of Origin rugby rugby and and and pull on on on the the the the Lions’ illustrious red jersey Not bad for the the the the son of of a a a a a a a a a a Samoan father and and English mother who grew up up playing junior rugby in in Silverdale and and played age-group union for North Harbour There were little obvious signs Te’o would enjoy such an an an illustrious career career when tness and injury issues combined to end his teenage ambitions of forging a a a a a a a a a a a a a league league career career with the Warriors It took a a a a a a a a a a a scholarship to to a a a a a a a a a a a rugby league-playing
DHL NEW ZEALAND LIONS SERIES 2017 // 15