British and Irish Lions

The 28-year-old made his Super 12 debut for the Sharks at Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld, and makes his first appearance in the Republic for the All Blacks at the same venue.

However, having turned out for the Tri-Nations winners in his adopted homeland earlier this year, he will not have the additional pressure of a debut against the team he once wanted to play for.

Rawlinson told The New Zealand Herald: "I've been pretty good this week so far. The first time I pulled on the black jersey it was quite a big moment, so I'm focused on the rugby now and feel I can deal with it a bit better.

"I've gone through it in my head a number of times but I think I'll be ready for it. It's quite strange. I played my first provincial game at Loftus so coming back here with the All Blacks is quite a big thing."

He added: "I'm used to all of that. Any opposition coming over here is going to get some abuse, but will there be any more this time? I don't know, we'll have to see."

Rawlinson, who left South Africa three years ago, made his debut against Ireland having fulfilled a three-year stand-down period.

Having become only the ninth Welshman to pick up a Heineken Cup winners medal, Gethin Jenkins is now getting ready for his next challenge - holding on to his British & Irish Lions Test spot.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.