Ireland fly-half Jonathan Sexton is relishing the chance to fight for his test place over the next few weeks.
The Leinsterman started all three tests on the last tour in Australia in 2013 but isn't relying on his success there as a guarantee of being named in Warren Gatland's test team.
Speaking ahead of the opening match against the New Zealand Provincial Barbarians, he said: "I think it’s a clean slate. No one is going to say 'oh he did really well four years ago so we will put him in'."
"It will depend on form from here until the first Test and how well you do. It’s always good to get the first chance to make the first impression.
“You leave all the excuses at the door when you play for the Lions, it doesn’t come around very often so you have got to relish every moment that you get in the jersey.
“You leave all the excuses at the door when you play for the Lions..."
Johnny Sexton is ready to go: https://t.co/TiXHkJit7g pic.twitter.com/mCoWaddFJT
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 3, 2017
"There are three of us, rather than just two. Look, it’s a challenge to get into the squad. That was my goal at the start of the year.
“The next one is the Test team which will be picked on form out here I think, so I have to try and make as good an impression as I can, to play to my potential and see where that gets me.
“If that gets me into the team or squad, or not, well if I do my best I can live with that," he added.
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