Australia back Adam Ashley-Cooper has rubbished talk that Brian O'Driscoll is not as dangerous as he has been previously ahead of their meeting in the first Test on Saturday.
The Ireland international announced himself to the Wallabies with a stunning solo try against them on the 2001 British and Irish Lions tour, and has maintained his good form Down Under on their current travels so far.
Ashley-Cooper, who has faced O'Driscoll three times in the past, will line up directly against the 34-year-old in the centre at the weekend and he admits that he is looking forward to the clash.
"I disagree that he's not the explosive centre of 12 years ago. He has the experience and ability to keep turning up," Ashley-Cooper told Sky Sports News.
"He's a soldier and that's why he's one of the best centres in the world. You can't presume anything with him.
"He's an absolute freak and I'm looking forward to lining up against him for the first time."
The Lions play the Brumbies on Tuesday before facing Australia in the Test series opener on Saturday.
Matt Cotton
