Lions 'friends' to do battle
Thu, 09 Jul 2009 14:35
Welsh scrumhalf Mike Philips has revealed that he will find it difficult to come up against his Lions teammates after forming such strong friendships with many of the touring party from the other nations.
Philips was a standout performer for the Lions in South Africa, matching the world's best No.9, Fourie Du Preez in every facet of play. The combative halfback admits that it will not be easy to resume hostilities with his Irish counterparts when the Magners league kicks off next season.
"It will be difficult playing against the boys next season, as opposed to being alongside them,"Philips told the Western Mail.
"For example, I roomed with Ronan O'Gara at the start of the tour and our friendship just developed from there."
Philips says it will be strange to do battle with the same players who stood together on a tour that will be remembered for its ferocity, but that he will be ready to face up to it when the action starts.
"You're ready to step in front of them [Lions teammate] to protect them.
"But soon they will become the enemy again, the ones we all just want to beat at all costs.
"We'll get used to it, I suppose, we have to. But when you think of it now it somehow feels strange, he said. "We're probably not the first to feel this way."
Philips singled out Lions tour captain Paul O'Connell for special praise, saying:
"Paul O'Connell has been a massive influence,"
"From day one, when he made his first speech, all the boys had huge respect for him.
"I've got to know him as a man as well, and what a man he is. Paul leads from the front - he’s a great speaker and a great player who you want to play alongside.
"He was just a great captain of the Lions."
Philips has rubbished suggestions that the Lions is a dying brand and he says that he already has his eye on 2013, for what he hopes will this time be a victorious
series.
Philips was outspoken in his thoughts on what makes a Lions tour so special for players, and the bonds formed between players make it an unforgettable experience.
"It's a huge honour to play alongside these world-class players," he said.
"It's such a special thing for people from four countries to come together, unite and get to know each other.
"It's been a massive honour."
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