Robbie Henshaw admits it's unlikely he'll feature in the Lions' first Test match against New Zealand next weekend after being named in the starting XV to face the Chiefs on Tuesday morning.
The Leinster centre is among five Irish players named in the squad, with Ireland captain Rory Best leading Warren Gatland's side in Hamilton.
The 24-year-old says the game will give him the chance to prove his worth ahead of their first clash with the All Blacks.
"I know it's four games out from a test game and you have to look at it realistically, but there's an opportunity there for me down the line," he said on Sunday.
"Four days out from a Test match, it's unlikely I'm going to be in the starting XV. But, it's a chance for everyone to put their hand up and potentially get selected on the bench for the weekend. You don't know."
Henshaw has been drafted to play alongside Irish international Jared Payne in the centre, something which he says he is relishing.
"I've played with him once in this tour and I played with JJ [Jonathan Joseph] last week as well. I've been enjoying who I've been paired up with. I know Jared very well and it's great to be back playing with him again.
"It's a great opportunity for the guys involved. We're keen to get back out there. We want to put in a complete performance and get the result. There's a lot of excitement around the camp.
Assessing the Chiefs, he said: "They've a good blend of some mature and some younger guys in the team. Myself and Jared will have our hands full in the midfield. With the players they have in there, we'll have to be on our toes all night."
Lions XV to face the Chiefs
ICYMI: The Lions team has been announced for #CHIvBIL...
âž¡ï¸ https://t.co/UOrIFljaVl #LionsNZ2017 #AllForOne pic.twitter.com/7QGe9GBP9s
— British&Irish Lions (@lionsofficial) June 18, 2017
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
