Tuilagi relishing lining out with O’Driscoll

England centre Manu Tuilagi is relishing the chance to play alongside “legend” Brian O’Driscoll in the Lions midfield tomorrow.

Tuilagi, 22, was 10 when he watched O’Driscoll’s thrilling Lions Test debut against Australia in 2001 and will make his tour debut against Western Force in Perth tomorrow at inside centre with the four-tour veteran captaining the side in the number 13 jersey.

“It is an honour to be selected and be playing with a legend like him,” Tuilagi said. “I remember his try against Australia [at Brisbane in 2001], so it is amazing to play alongside him. He is a legend and I can’t wait to play with him.”