Faletau also brought a massive physical presence to the forward contest, with O'Brien making the hard yards for the Lions to give Gatland, who also has Tommy Bowe fit again, a tough selection meeting tomorrow.
There was also a notable improvement in the Lions' scrum, with Dan Cole and Richard Hibbard helping to make amends for the scrummaging wobble in the final moments of the first Test.
While the Rebels contested ferociously and at times threatened on the counter-attack, the Lions always looked in complete control of the contest.
The foundation for the victory was founded in the first half when tries by Conor Murray and Sean Maitland, which were both converted by Owen Farrell, had established a 14-point advantage by the break.
From this position of strength, the Lions continued to dominate the set-piece, possession and territory and inevitably further scores resulted, with three coming directly from line-out play.
O'Brien powered over from a well-worked move at the front before the Lions were awarded a penalty try after Rory Best had been tackled from an offside position by Jordy Reid as the Lions' pack rumbled towards the line. Another great line-out gave Ben Youngs the front-foot ball to race over for the a fifth try
The tourists set the tone from the outset with with Tuilagi, Ian Evans, who also put his hand up for a place on the bench on Saturday with a much more prominent display, and Faletau all making hard yards.
In contrast to Saturday's opening Test, the Lions were most more effective in the clear-outs, giving Conor Murray quick ball to attack with and the tourists maintained their high tempo start.
Another crisp attack, with Farrell using his strike runners close in before switching play wide, culminated with Rob Kearney winning a five-metre scrum when his chip for Maitland was taken over by the Rebels.
The Lions again used their dominance in the setpeice to shunt towards the line and although Faletau was held just short, he was able to squeeze the ball back and Murray gathered and spun back over the line for a try in the 17th minute.
After the Rebels had missed the opportunity to reduce the deficit when Jason Woodward pulled a penalty attempt wide, the Lions stretched their lead with a superb try.
O'Brien and Tuilagi attacked the narrow side before Maitland was able to take the attack deep into the Rebels' 22. The ball was quickly recycled after Faletau had carried again and quick hands by Brad Barritt and Simon Zebo put Maitland over.
A line-out take by Faletau and a neat flick by Dan Lydiate put O'Brien over for the Lions' third try to tighten the Lions' grip and as Gatland emptied his bench, the tourists maintained their dominance.
Best, delivering a much-improved display from the Brumbies defeat, almost drove over for a score only for Reid's illegal intervention leading to a penalty try before Young showed tremendous pace and poise to race over for the Lions' fifth try to complete the victory.
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