Mind games are part of Lions' folklore - and here we go again

Verbal sparring on British and Irish Lions tours intensifies as coaches Joe Schmidt and David Nucifora engage in psychological warfare ahead of the rugby matches, stirring controversy about the international composition of the team. Schmidt's comments about the southern hemisphere heritage of certain players hint at strategic mind games, while Nucifora's remark on Schmidt's analytical approach adds fuel to the fire. These tactics are not new, as historical records suggest that mind games have been part of Lions tours since 1896 in South Africa, illuminating the long-standing tradition in rugby's competitive landscape.