Lions winger James Lowe defiantly brushed off stadium announcer taunts about his New Zealand origins during Saturday's dominant 54-7 victory over Western Force in Perth.
The 32-year-old Ireland international, who started for the Maori All Blacks against the Lions in 2017, responded with characteristic defiance to pre-match provocations at Optus Stadium.
Lowe told BBC Sport: "I've been slagged my whole life, my whole career, it doesn't matter where I go I seem to get slagged so they can say what they want."
The Leinster winger delivered an impressive performance with two assists and three clean breaks in his first Lions appearance.
James Lowe hit back at the announcer, saying 'they can say what they want'
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The provocative announcer highlighted southern hemisphere-born Lions players before kick-off in front of a record Force crowd of more than 46,000.
The announcer declared: "Our former Aussie at No 14, Mack Hansen. Another Aussie at No 12, Sione Tuipulotu.
"At No 11, the Kiwi now Irishman James Lowe, and at prop, the former SA schoolboy now Scotsman, Pierre Schoeman."
The issue has been a significant talking point during the tour build-up after Australia head coach Joe Schmidt highlighted the ancestry of some Lions squad members.
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James Lowe is one of 12 Leinster players in Australia, the most from any club in a single Lions series.
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Schmidt later apologised for his "sloppy" comments about the Lions' "southern hemisphere centre partnership."
Lowe responded with characteristic wit to the attempted provocation, suggesting the jokes should continue if the Lions maintain their dominant form.
"Hopefully a few more Kiwis or Saffas play next week and we can keep the same gag going if we keep on getting the same result," the winger said.
His defiant stance reflected the Lions' untroubled approach to the southern hemisphere narrative that has dominated pre-tour discussions.
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The New Zealand-born player, who has earned 40 caps for Ireland, appeared unfazed by the stadium announcer's attempts to unsettle the tourists.
The Lions' emphatic victory rendered any psychological warfare attempts utterly ineffective.
Scotland captain Tuipulotu, born in Australia, also dismissed the jibes with measured composure.
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James Lowe has made 40 appearances for Ireland
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He said: "I knew there would be some 'good humour' coming back home to Australia. These are all things we've got to take in our stride."
The centre acknowledged his Australian birth whilst emphasising his commitment to the Lions cause.
Meanwhile, Lowe reflected on the privilege of his Lions selection, recalling watching his name announced on television with his wife.
"To actually be here, feet on the ground in Australia and given the opportunity is a massive privilege," he said.
The winger expressed hunger for Test selection whilst acknowledging the world-class competition for places.
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