British and Irish Lions centre Brian O'Driscoll has showered praise on captain Sam Warburton for his role within the team.

Both players will start against Australia in the opening Test on Saturday, with the Welshmen preparing to lead out the side in Brisbane.

While O'Driscoll believes that it is important to have more than one leader in the team, he has been impressed by the actions of Warburton on the tour so far.

"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," said O'Driscoll. "They all bring different attributes to our gameplan, 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."

The Lions face the Wallabies at 11.05am on Saturday.