British and Irish Lions

Head coach Sir Clive Woodward named a strong side for the tourists' first game of six before the opening Test against New Zealand on June 25, and Williams cannot wait for the action to begin.

The Welsh flanker said: "It is great to be selected for the first game and I can't wait to get out there after all the build-up.

"We know there will be no easy games on this tour and Bay of Plenty will be determined to give us a stiff test but we are looking forward to the challenge."

Debutant O'Connell echoed the thoughts of his team-mate and admitted it was a pleasure to be named in the same side as him.

"It will be a tremendous honour for me to have the opportunity to pull on a Lions jersey for the first time," said the Ireland second row.

"Looking at the team sheet, it is really exciting to play alongside players of such quality, names like Lawrence Dallaglio and Martyn Williams, who I have admired for such a long time.

"It will be a great experience and an important test for both me and for the team."

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

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.