Warren Gatland: 'British and Irish Lions midfield not lacking physical edge'

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has played down claims that his midfield selection for the Test series opener against Australia at the weekend lacks a physical edge.

The tourists are without the imposing figures of Jamie Roberts and Manu Tuilagi due to injury, meaning that 5'10" Brian O'Driscoll will start alongside 6'1" Jonathan Davies in the centre against the Wallabies.

Despite their smaller height, O'Driscoll does not believe that the duo will put his side at a physical disadvantage.

"I don't think Jonathan Davies at 105kg is a small midfielder," said Gatland. "Just because he is not as tall as the other two, I don't see him lacking a physical element at all.

"We've also got George North coming in and our nine [Phillips] and 10 [Sexton] are both big half-backs too. What it does give us is a few more subtleties in midfield and we have got some pace and firepower in the team as well."

The Lions travel to Brisbane to face Australia on Saturday.