But standing in the 28-year-old’s way are British and Irish Lions duo O’Connell and O’Callaghan, the pairing also running out for Munster together.

However, Charteris, who won his first cap against South Africa in 2004 and has been a mainstay ever since barring injuries, is relishing the challenge of testing himself against two worthy opponents.

"They are both quality players. O'Connell probably gets more of the limelight, but O'Callaghan is a class player in his own right. He does probably more of the donkey work,” he said.

"Both of them are really good players, and it will be a challenge to keep up with those two.

"I have not played with O'Connell, but how he leads is obviously a big part of his game. Playing against him, you see he's a good competitor.

"He will go up in the air on our throw, he does his homework on opponents, he is an honest worker around the field and he carries a lot for them as well."

"The days of being intimidated in rugby are long gone," he added. "It is a challenge, and one that excites you.

"When you come up against a highly-rated pair it means you just have to raise your game.

"I always have the mindset that the better the opposition the more you have to raise your game.

"That is the challenge, and that is what makes you a better player.

"I have never been intimidated before a game or during a game, as a young player or now."