British and Irish Lions

Sam Warburton says Justin Tipuric is among the leading openside flankers in these isles even though he will replace his national rival in the Wales side to face Scotland this weekend.

Warburton returns to the Welsh No7 jersey after a two-match absence, with Tipuric having started the successive wins in France and Italy.

A shoulder injury kept Warburton out of the Parisian victory but the 2012 Grand Slam skipper was left on the bench after proving his fitness ahead of the trip to Rome as Wales interim coach Rob Howley opted to start Tipuric at the Stadio Olimpico.

The roles have been reversed in Round 4 but Howley believes he has the two best opensides in Britain and Ireland at his disposal and Warburton is more than happy to deflect that praise on to his international team-mate.

"It's nice to hear that. I would agree with Rob - I think Justin is one of the best opensides in the British Isles as well," said Warburton.

"I think he is an excellent player. He offers something none of the other sevens in the northern hemisphere offer.

"Attacking-wise he is very skilful and very gifted; defensively is where I am probably a little big stronger.

"Rob said in selection it was because he wanted more physicality at the breakdown so I guess that is something I slightly edge Justin on. But, then again, Justin is very sound defensively too so it must have been a very tight call.

"The Scottish back row is very big and physical so maybe that has influenced the decision to play me at seven. That is a challenge I really enjoy."

Warburton believes the battle of the back row will have a major influence on the outcome of Saturday's Murrayfield match up, with fellow Lions hopeful Kelly Brown a key figure for the hosts.

No8 Johnnie Beattie has been in sensational form since his Scottish recall and Glasgow blindside Robert Harley is also making a name for himself on the big stage having come in for the injured Alasdair Strokosch after the Round 1 defeat to England.

And with quick ball likely to be just as important in Edinburgh as it will be for Britain and Ireland's elite in Australia this summer, Lions boss Warren Gatland will no doubt be paying special attention to the breakdown in the Scottish capital.

"I have a lot of respect for Kelly and he has been playing very well at seven for Scotland so I will definitely have my hands full at the weekend," added Warburton.

"Now I have the starting shirt back again I will do everything I can to keep it. It's a tough challenge to play against Kelly first up but it is one I am looking forward to.

"Every time we play Scotland a focal point is always the battle of the back rows because theirs is so good. We know it will be a big job for me, Toby (Faletau) and Ryan (Jones) to nullify their threats but we will try to figure out a way to get the better of them over the next few days because that back row battle is so important now in the modern game.

"I would imagine both teams will want to play at the weekend - both teams have some pretty good backs they want to release so the speed of ball will be interesting. It will be a big area for us as a team to win that back row battle."

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.

Radike Samo, one of only two players still playing top level rugby in Australia who placed against the 2001 British & Irish Lions, will return to top flight action with Queensland Reds against the Stormers in Cape Town on Sunday.