Sean O'Brien says Saturday's game between the British and Irish Lions and Maori All Blacks has the feel of a fourth Test match.

The clash against Maori All Blacks comes just a week before the start of three match series against New Zealand.

Lions head coach Warren Gatland named his team for the match late on Thursday and five Irish internationals will start, including Munster back row Peter O'Mahony who will captain the side.

Ireland and Leinster back row O'Brien is also included in the starting XV at 7.

He says competitiveness in the camp is starting to really build up.

"I suppose for individuals and the entire squad, we know now that we're not far away from it, so the excitement is building and people know that they have to put in performances," he said.