British & Irish Lions captain Sam Warburton admits he cannot wait to get a taste of the Judgement Day experience at the Millennium Stadium.
With the four Welsh regions set for the league double-header, an expected crowd of more than 50,000 will have a chance to see some of the stars who helped secure the Lions’ first series win in 16 years with success in Australia.
Gethin Jenkins, a member of the squad in 2013 and during the series defeat in South Africa four years previously, will join Warburton in the Cardiff Blues pack, while 2009 Lion Matthew Rees is a replacement.
The trio of representatives present in the Blues side is matched by the number who will face them for the Ospreys – Alun Wyn Jones, Dan Lydiate and Justin Tipuric all featured in the decisive Sydney Test two years ago.
Newport Gwent Dragons No.8 Taulupe Faletau also started that 41-16 triumph and Warburton, skipper for the victorious Tour, insists he is relishing playing his part on a big day of showdowns.
“It’s going to be amazing – it should make for a great spectacle,” said the flanker.
“For players who haven’t had the opportunity to play here before, to play in front of a crowd as big as that, it’s awesome for them.
“There’s been some great marketing, I think the regions and the WRU have done an excellent job in growing this event.
“I’ve noticed it around the streets of Cardiff and the hype around it is a lot more than previous years.
“Hopefully it will keep snowballing and continue to grow.”
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