Lions head coach Ian McGeechan and team manager Gerald Davies have been present at as many Six Nations games as possible and de Villiers has himself recognized the importance of watching the tournament first-hand by already traveling to Europe to take in two of the early games.

The South African supremo, who led his side to wins over England, Scotland and Wales on UK shores in November, was in Cardiff to watch Wales versus England and then in Rome for Ireland's visit to Italy just under a fortnight ago.

Despite being in confident mood having seen the Boks return from their autumn tour unbeaten, de Villiers believes the intensity of the rugby on display so far in the Six Nations is an indication that the international players in England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales are already gearing up for the Lions' South African adventure.

"I have spent some time "Lion watching" in the past weeks by keeping a close eye on the Six Nations," said de Villiers, who took over the reigns of South African rugby from Jake White in January of last year.

"It is very evident the players in the four Home Union teams have raised their games as they bid to make the trip of a lifetime."

Like his forwards coach Gary Gold, de Villiers also believes that Ireland and Wales will contribute the majority of players for the forthcoming tour squad, although he feels there will still be plenty of places up for grabs before McGeechan's final party is announced in late April.

"France's defeat of Wales was significant and, whilst the bulk of the Lions squad will probably be Welsh and Irish, I will be surprised if Ian McGeechan is close to finalizing his squad.

"The final Six Nations match between Wales and Ireland could well decide the title as well as serve as a final trial for selection."