Sam Warburton's Lions must play the game of their lives to win First Test

21 June 2013

Brian O’Driscoll today told his fellow Lions to prepare for the “game of their lives” against Australia in tomorrow’s opening Test.

The Irishman scored a try here in Brisbane as the Lions won the first match of the 2001 series in front of a crowd dominated by visiting fans and he is hoping for a similar scenario at Suncorp Stadium.

“In 2001 it felt like a home game,” said O’Driscoll, 34, who will be playing in his fourth and final tour.

“We ran out and it was three-quarters red. That puts an extra spring in your step to have the game of your life. We warmed up indoors and getting the surprise when we ran out was great. I don’t want to expect too much but let’s hope we get something similar.”

Ian McGeechan, the most successful ever Lions coach, has handed out the jerseys to the players before they face the Wallabies in a move designed to hammer home the enormity of the contest.

The Lions will be led by Sam Warburton, who will fulfil a childhood dream when he steps out onto the pitch. “I have been thinking about tomorrow since I was aged 14,” said the Welshman.

“It will be the biggest moment of my career. Leading out Wales in the World Cup and in the Grand Slam were special but this tops them all.”

Tom Croft and Jonathan Davies failed to train today but both players are expected to start the First Test of the three-match series.