Lions' Tuipulotu dismisses Aussie jibe

RUGBY UNION Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off provocation during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born contingent were attacked by the Tannoy announcer at Optus Stadium.

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Tuipulotu, one of eight players in Andy Farrell's squad who were born and raised in the southern hemisphere, was among those in the crosshairs before Saturday's 54-7 rout of Western Force.

"Another Aussie at number 12, Sione Tuipulotu," was how the Scotland centre was introduced when the team was read out for the Lions’ opening match on Australian soil.