In a past instalment of QI, Stephen Fry initiated a discussion about why pigeons don’t enjoy films. Following a playful exchange of faux responses, Fry disclosed the true answer. The speed at which films we’re accustomed to are filmed, 24-25 frames per second, would make a mundane experience for pigeons due to their advanced visual perception. They would require a pace of 250 frames per second to maintain their interest. Thus, it’s virtually impossible to strike a pigeon with a car as they perceive their surroundings in slow motion as compared to humans.
This is unrelated to Jamison Gibson-Park though. The Leinster scrumhalf dominated the game at Croke Park, anticipating every move before anyone else. His tactical acumen was evident as he consistently managed to stay ahead of the game unfolding. His tireless effort was not just limited to offence. Despite his aging legs, he dashed more than half the length of the field, interrupting Northampton’s advance in Leinster’s final territory.
Playing in the same team as Gibson-Park is challenging due to his relentless energy. His incessant intensity is apparent in one instance when around 30 minutes in, Leinster won a scrum penalty. If you review the match footage, you will notice Gibson-Park was poised for the quick restart even before referee Mathieu Raynal had fully announced the decision.
It was indeed him throughout the day. Both of the initial tries from Leinster, which set the course for the day’s events, were solely his doing. During the first, Leinster held a penalty advantage for an ample thirty seconds prior to Raynal blowing up. When that transpired, Northampton’s hooker, Curtis Langdon, ensured to intentionally unintentionally trap the ball amidst his legs as Gibson-Park started digging for it.
To any spectator, it appeared as if Langdon had successfully wasted those critical seconds which separated the chance of a quick-tap from Gibson-Park having to hand the ball to Ross Byrne for an uncomplicated kick before the poles. That’s what everyone was expecting would transpire; Leinster had been dominating for the initial ten minutes, and this was poised to be their prize.
However, nothing gets past the eye of the pigeon. Gibson-Park swiftly returned the ball to its spot, noticing James Lowe entering from his wing. Despite him being outmanned by a ratio of two-to-one, making the pass was perilous. Nevertheless, the potential upside rendered the risk worthwhile – Gibson-Park was certain that if he passed the ball to a running Lowe, his momentum would increase his chance of a scoring. The pass was splendid, beautifully curving downwards right to Lowe’s chest practically a few metre’s out. There was no way he won’t score.
The second score transpired mere minutes later, with Gibson-Park at the helm once more. What began as a goal-line attacking lineout evolved into a frantic pursuit of the ball that could have belonged to anyone until Gibson-Park stepped in. His nimble volleyball tap bewildered everyone, providing Lowe the simple task of kneeling down to score his second.
However, no one in the stadium anticipated Leinster would later struggle to maintain their lead. They initially led 15-0, and 20-3 nearing the hour mark. To then have to win a lineout in the 80th minute to secure their place in the final was a less-than-ideal situation. A combination of missed kicks and tackles resulted in a match that became tighter than necessary.
Despite any blame falling elsewhere, Gibson-Park was remarkably faultless. His tenacity remained constant, and his keen eye for opportunity never faltered, even under fatigue. He managed to muster a crucial penalty at the 62 minute mark with a clever feint that fooled Raynal. However, Byrne had an off day with his kicking, leaving the game on a knife’s edge.
In spite of this, Leinster triumphed in the end. Lowe made an impressive splash with his three tries; however, the game’s driving force was Gibson-Park, who was aptly given the man of the match award. While watching Lowe might showcase the points scored, a discerning view of Gibson-Park would offer a glimpse into the game’s core mechanics.
Still, one cannot fully grasp how he views the game. That level of perception is shared only by the birds in the sky.