The duo combined with great success during the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa four years ago with Roberts providing the grunt and and O’Driscoll the guile.
They will again become centres of attention in tomorrow’s clash against New South Wales and Queensland Country Combined XV.
And Roberts is relishing the link up with the Leinster and Ireland legend.
“You’d like to think we can resume a partnership that’s more effective this time around,” said Roberts.
“Obviously a lot was made of that four years ago and it was a big learning curve for me.
“I was on my first Lions tour, and four years is a long time in rugby.
“Now with 40 or 50 caps under my belt more than the last tour and the same with Brian and four years more experience at international level, you’d like to think we can resume a partnership that’s more effective this time around.
“It’s all about kicking off where we left off in 2009 and hopefully it goes well.”
O’Driscoll is in the midst of his fourth Lions tour, and second to Australia, and Roberts reckons the veteran centre still sets the standard.
“His pace, his defensive abilities – all that is something you’d expect from a top-class international centre,” said Roberts.
“However, I think his communication on and off the ball is something I learned a lot about in 2009.
“Every call he makes is 99% the right one, and when he speaks people listen.
“It’s a great attribute to have, and [especially] for a younger player like me four years ago.
“Maybe I’m a bit more experienced now, but he’s a great person to play alongside.”
Roberts is one of six Wales internationals in the Lions’ starting line-up and there are a further five on the bench for the Newcastle clash.
