Skipper Warburton knows Kiwis will target him just like O’Driscoll

SAM WARBURTON expects to be the latest Lions captain to be targeted by New Zealand in their three-Test tour.

Twelve years ago, Brian O’Driscoll was illegally spear-tackled at the side of a ruck by All Black captain Tana Umaga and hooker Keven Mealamu just seconds into the first Test (above), leaving him with a dislocated shoulder which ruled the Lions skipper out of the series.

Warburton believes he will face the same treatment. ‘Guys are used to being targeted. That happens in every international Test match you play in,’ he said.

Warburton’s selection as captain by Warren Gatland has been criticised by those who believe Ireland’s Sean O’Brien will be a better option to start Tests as openside flanker.

Warburton said: ‘It wouldn’t have been right for me to be captain back in January. I wasn’t playing my best rugby. I’ve always thought if I’m going to be captain I need to be playing well and that’s something the rest of the boys will respect.

‘Now the Six Nations has gone and I’m really pleased with my form, I’m ready to take on the captaincy.

‘Because I’ve been playing some good rugby over the last few months I feel a lot better about accepting the captaincy role.’