Warburton relieved he is to finally be unleashed

Warburton, the first Welshman named as tour skipper since Phil Bennett 36 years ago, takes charge for the Suncorp Stadium appointment with Queensland Reds.

Having missed opening victories over the Barbarians and Western Force for precautionary purposes while a puffy knee settled down, he is now raring to go, accompanied by his renowned high standards.

“Andy Irvine, our tour manager, set the bar high for us and said there’s never been a Lions tour where they have won every match,” said Warburton.

“I love that. You’ve got to aim for the stars, so that will be the goal.

“It might sound a bit disrespectful saying ‘go through undefeated’, but I remember an old PE teacher told me if you aim much higher than you initially would have, even if you still fall short you will have achieved more than you might have initially thought.

“So that is my thought process behind it all. Australia are a top-class side, and I have found that out the hard way over the last few years. It is just a goal – you have got to aim for it.”

Flanker Warburton watched from the sidelines while the Lions ran riot against the Barbarians and Western Force, scoring a total of 128 points and 17 tries.

And the competition for back-row places remains intensely fierce, especially as Warburton is now entering the selection mix.

His fellow Wales international openside Justin Tipuric starred against the Barbarians, then Sean O’Brien delivered an outstanding display as the Force were crushed, so Warburton is under no illusions.

“Every player was told that they were going to get a start. Others have been waiting just like me,” he added. “I think I am a good competitor who is always striving to get better. I would never sit back and relax, never think the Test spot would be assured. That’s definitely not the case.”

Wasps wing Christian Wade and Gloucester-bound flanker Matt Kvesic will make their England debuts in tomorrow’s first Test against Argentina in Salta.

England coach Stuart Lancaster has named three more uncapped players on the bench in the shape of Bath playmaker Kyle Eastmond, Sale prop Henry Thomas and new Saracens recruit Billy Vunipola. Joe Marler will start at loosehead prop in a late change to England’s plans after Alex Corbisiero was called up by the British and Irish Lions.