Lions will change lives – Gibbs

Wales and Lions legend Scott Gibbs has told the 2013 squad that a series win over Australia will transform their lives.

Wales and Lions legend Scott Gibbs has told the 2013 squad that a series win over Australia will transform their lives.

Gibbs starred for the best of the British Isles in 1997, coming away named Man-of-the-Series and writing his name into the folklore of the side.

With many backing the Lions' chances in Australia, Gibbs believes Warren Gatland's squad can join an elite group of Lions winners.

“To have the term, Lions series winner, can help define your career and change your life,” said Gibbs to WalesOnline.

“It is something to be proud of when you join an elite group of people who have managed to do that over a 125-year period. But that is what you play for and it is there to be had in Australia again this year.

“The Lions is still shrouded in a unique mystique, which is great. You are with an elite band of brethren, the best of the British Isles, and when you look around you have the ultimate respect for all concerned.

“When you put the jersey on, some kind of metamorphosis does occur. You feel you have arrived but you still have to deliver.

“Delivering is the best part, because once you've had a satisfying performance and you've won, you sit down and think that it doesn't get any better. If you can do it in a Test arena, it's even better.”

Gibbs also believes that captain Sam Warburton can write his name into the history books alongside Willie John McBride and Martin Johnson with a series victory, whilst also expecting Warburton and Ospreys flanker Justin Tipuric to combine as they did against England in the Six Nations.

“This is an opportunity to define this part of his life and that's exactly where someone like Sam Warburton's head space should be at the moment,” added Gibbs.

“There will be those who go out there thinking: 'I've done enough, I'm here, I'm happy and I'll keep my head down.' No, that is not good enough. You have to go there and you have to dominate it. It will be interesting to watch the body language of the players.

“You'll see the people who rise to the challenge, who dominate, who thrive under that pressure. And you'll see those who are gripped by competitive anxiety and are just happy to wear the jersey. But there's so much competition across the board now.”

“If I was Tipuric, I'd think Sam being made captain was the greatest thing that could have happened.

“Not because of my own motivation, but because there's every opportunity now for the captain to think he's a dead cert.

“I could see Warburton playing the out-and-out breakaway role and playing the six role and playing left and right flanker alongside Tipuric, just as they did against England.”