"We will look to move the ball quickly and tire them out in the hot conditions," said Chaka Willemse, who becomes the first South African coach to pit his wits against the Lions since 1997.
"The Lions have some big forwards and they will not fancy running all over the pitch in a high temperature.
"We have a lot of experience up front and backs who like to move the ball. The temperature in Rustenburg has been 26 degrees all week and I will not be surprised if the heat gets to the Lions."
Willemse has promised that the Lions will not have things all their own way during the opening fixture of their 10-match adventure, insisting that his side will give as good as they get against the world's most-famous touring team.
"The Lions cannot afford to think that they will have an easy game and I predict it will not be their least tough match of the tour.
"All my players are full-time professionals who are honoured at having first crack at the Lions. We have not had that much time to prepare for the game, but we will be ready and there is great excitement in our camp.
"The first match will set the tone for the whole tour and our job is to make it as difficult as possible for the Lions by playing good rugby. They will be in a battle, but one which will be within the rules of rugby. My players know I will not tolerate any gratuitous violence."
Injury robbed Willemse of the chance of playing against the Lions 12 years ago at a time when he was captain of Mpumalanga but today's fixture presents him with an opportunity to finally put that disappointment behind him.
A victory would be the perfect way to forget the personal setback of the last Lions series but, win or lose, Willemse insists his players will do him proud later today.
"It is just a wonderful feeling to have the Lions here," added Willemse.
"I was bitterly disappointed to miss out on playing against them 12 years ago and to coach the Royal XV gives me the chance to make up for that. They will receive a right royal welcome, but they will know they have been in a game."
