Sione Tuipulotu insists the British and Irish Lions must continue to shrug off any prodding during their tour of Australia after their overseas-born player were called out by the Tannoy announcer at Optus Stadium.

Tuipulotu, one of eight players in Andy Farrell’s squad who were born, raised and educated in the southern hemisphere, was among those caught 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.

Mack Hansen, James Lowe and Pierre Schoeman were also referenced by the nation of their birth rather than their adopted country, for whom they have qualified either through residency or family heritage.

It continued a theme from the hosts that began when Wallabies head coach Joe Schmidt described Tuipulotu and New Zealand-born Ireland international Bundee Aki as a “southern-hemisphere centre partnership” in the build-up to the defeat by Argentina in Dublin.

Tuipulotu emphasised the words “good humour” when brushing aside the dig that he expected on his return to his homeland.

“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,” he said.

“To not announce the elephant in the room, I am from Australia. I was born here. I don’t know how funny that gag is to everyone!

“I’m loving my rugby playing for the Lions and I’m really passionate about it. Andy’s brought the group together so well.”