The Lions will kick off their tour of Australia with, logically of course, a match in Hong Kong tomorrow. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn looks at four players who could stand out for the Lions and how the series might play out.
Richie Gray
The big blond lock is one of just three players from Scotland who has made the squad.
Has just as many detractors as admirers but when he is on his game, when he gets round the field and gets his hands on the ball, and makes some big hits, the big lug can be dangerous.
But he can also fade out of games and cough up a few errors. However, he is only 23 and still needs time to mature.
For the Lions' sakes it is hoped coach Warren Gatland can find the right mental side of Gray and get him firing on all cylinders.
Mike Phillips
It is going to be a tough battle to get the gig as starting halfback in the Lions side but the experienced Phillips must have the inside running.
His size and aggressiveness behind the pack will be an asset to the Lions and he can also kick well when under pressure. However, time stands still for no man and Phillips may lack that zip and speed against Will Genia.
If he can stop Genia dictating terms of the game then the Lions will have more than a starter's chance of success.
Manu Tuilagi
The last time he visited the Antipodes it was part of the disastrous England World Cup campaign in 2011 in New Zealand. Ended up jumping off a ferry in Auckland harbour.
Will be interesting to see how he adapts to Australia. If teamed with Jamie Roberts in midfield there will be a huge couple of men to stop for the Wallabies.
Tuilaga runs hard and straight when on his game but much depends on the men around him. The Samoan has a real turn of speed at times but no-one would bet their house on him.
Adam Jones
The Wallabies would never win a medal for their scrummaging and that must light up the eyes of Welshman Jones.
The shaggy haired tighthead prop has been a rock for the Welsh over the years and his game has gone to a new level after he cut out chips and plenty of beer in 2010.
He will find it tough going to get into the test squad with seven props heading to Australia, but his experience and skill at scrum time should see him getting a starting spot.
How it may play out
The Lions have not won a series since 1997 so need to win to stay credible. The Australians, if they can get all their key guys on the paddock, may be too good for the Lions.
Much will depend on who wears the No 10 jersey for the Wallabies and how he dictates things. Whoever it is, he will be a confidence player.
Expect the Wallabies to take the first test, the Lions to come back and win the second in Melbourne before the decider goes right down to the wire.
The winner? Probably the Wallabies. But then again ...
British and Irish Lions
Tour of Australia
• June 1 v Barbarians, Hong Kong
• June 5 v Force, Perth
• June 8 v Reds, Brisbane
• June 11 v NSW-Queensland Country, Newcastle
• June 15 v Waratahs, Sydney
• June 18 v Brumbies, Canberra
• June 22 v Wallabies, Brisbane
• June 25 v Rebels, Melbourne
• June 29 v Wallabies, Melbourne
• July 6 v Wallabies, Sydney
