Gibson-Park and Russell ready to be unleashed on the Reds

JAMISON Gibson-Park believes his half-back alliance with Finn Russell will develop quickly as the British and Irish Lions prepare to unleash the much-hyped combination for the first time.

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Gibson-Park (pictured) and Russell form a creative axis for today’s clash against the Queensland Reds after the Ireland scrum-half was given the green light to make his comeback from a glute injury.

As the pre-tour favourites to start the Test series against Australia in the number nine and 10 jerseys, expectations are high for the partnership even if they will have been limited to a single training session together ahead of the Brisbane showdown.

In a sign of the urgency to deploy them in tandem, especially after Tomos Williams was ruled out of the tour by a hamstring injury, Russell will be starting his second game in five days.

Andy Farrell has urged caution over anticipation levels, stating they will be “all singing, all dancing everything going to plan, but that won't be the case,” but the ultimate fantasy pairing in British and Irish rugby is ready to shine.