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Lions 2013

O'Connor hails Aussie preparation ahead of Lions series

The Lions face Super Rugby side Western Force in their second tour match on Wednesday following their 59-8 win over the Barbarians in Hong Kong last Saturday.

JAMES O’CONNOR BELIEVES that Australia are well prepared to face the British and Irish Lions ahead of their upcoming Test series.

The Wallabies will face the Lions in three matches, with the first taking place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium on 22 June.

Australia defeated the Lions the last time the two teams met in a series in 2001, and O’Connor insists that Robbie Deans’ side are focused on repeating that feat 12 years on.

“Every time you step up to that (international) level, everyone is competing that little bit more. I guess the standard is just raised and you are playing with some of the best players in Australia. We have got a massive task ahead so everyone is focused and everyone is playing for each other,” he said.

The Melbourne Rebels man has won 37 caps for his country, but stressed that playing against the Lions takes on extra significance.

“Every time you are involved with the Wallabies and pull on that gold jersey it is a massive opportunity and an honour,” he added. “But the Lions only comes round every 12 years so we have to be born in the right place at the right time. Lucky enough for the guys in camp we are here and we are starting it off.”

Australia are set to face a Lions squad boosted by the news on Tuesday that captain Sam Warburton is to return to full training after a knee injury.

“Sam will train fully tomorrow (Wednesday),” assistant coach Graham Rowntree revealed. “He didn’t quite do everything today – he did some extended running drills and will be fine for tomorrow.”

The Lions face Super Rugby side Western Force in their second tour match on Wednesday following their 59-8 win over the Barbarians in Hong Kong last Saturday.

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