British and Irish Lions number eight Jamie Heaslip has expressed his excitement about facing the Waratahs on Saturday.

Tah's will be strengthened by the news that Australia coach Robbie Deans has allowed Dave Dennis and Rob Horne to join up with the club for their clash with the tourists this weekend.

The Ireland skipper is happy with the news and is looking forward to facing some stronger opposition.

"We'll look forward to it," Heaslip told the official Lions website. "We want to be going up against the best players that are available.

"We want to be constantly challenged and constantly pushed and that's what we're looking for this weekend."

The Lions face the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.