Brian O'Driscoll cannot wait to run out for the British and Irish Lions in the first Test against Australia on Saturday, believing they hold a unique place in world rugby.
Brilliant try
O'Driscoll's brilliant solo try at The Gabba in 2001 is one of the most replayed moments in modern-day Lions history.
So far, though, it is the only Test victory he has savoured as a Lion, and he added: "It is a different existence from 2001, the level of detail we go to.
"We did a long season in 2001, yet were still going out and doing hour, hour-and-a-half, sometimes two-hour pitch sessions, sometimes twice a day.
"If I did that now I'd have died a couple of weeks ago! You couldn't survive that, such is the intensity of the games. You can't train like Tarzan and play like Jane, you've got to do it the other way round."
O'Driscoll has been impressed with the Lions class of 2013, showering praise on tour captain Sam Warburton and the forwards.
"I think if you have a look at our pack and individually you look at all eight, and they are all bloody impressive players. It is exciting seeing yourself named in a team with forwards of that calibre," he said.
"They all bring different attributes to our game-plan, and I think if they all have big performances they can do damage to any pack in the world.
"The thing I like about Sam is that he's not someone that speaks for the sake of speaking, but when he does he definitely has the attention of his team. I've been impressed by him.
"I have enjoyed being able to be a senior player and add my tuppence-worth when it's asked of me, or where I feel that I can add to sessions or add to team meetings.
"In all teams there is one captain, but it's important to have leaders scattered throughout as well that can take some of that pressure off the captain."
