British and Irish Lions

If Wales continue their resurgence under coaches Warren Gatland and Shaun Edwards - both are candidates to assist Lions boss Ian McGeechan in South Africa - then ex-number eight Mervyn Davies also predicts a strong representation of Welsh playing personnel.

"This season is the proof of the pudding for Wales," he said. "People might say it was a lucky Grand Slam last season in some ways, but you need luck to win any Grand Slam.

"Even in the 1970s it was never a foregone conclusion that we would win a Grand Slam, and Wales will look to consolidate on last season's success.

"If they manage to do that, then a lot of players going on the Lions tour next summer will be Wales players.

"I can see a larger percentage of Welshmen being selected than from any other nation, if things remain as they are.

"The Lions has got to be the pinnacle for any player - it is a magical thing.

"Suddenly, you are not just the best in Wales, you are the best in Britain and Ireland. You have got to accept these challenges and aim high."

Davies though, a guest at today's HSBC-hosted Millennium Stadium audience with the 1955 Lions, believes lessons will have been learnt from the Woodward-run debacle three years ago.

He said: "2005 seemed to be a bit like a travelling circus.

"Decisions appeared to have been made about who was playing, and when, before they left these shores. It is difficult to change any pre-conceived plans on short tours like the Lions trips have now become.

"I think Woodward tried to change too much, although hindsight is a wonderful thing. It seemed that things were worked out by computer, rather than by any other method."

Davies' former Wales and Lions team-mate Gerald Davies will manage the 2009 squad, and with revered Lions king McGeechan at the coaching helm, Davies believes both appointments have set a promising tone for events in nine months' time.

"I am delighted for Gerald (Davies) - it is a great appointment as manager.

"It is nice to see someone with the experience of Gerald there, and I am certain he will have a huge input."

The British & Irish Lions will dust themselves down after losing their unbeaten record to the Brumbies and be back at work in a positive frame of mind from Wednesday, according to 2009 Test full back Rob Kearney.

With Tuesday's trip to Canberra next on the agenda for The British & Irish Lions, we take a look back at their last clash with the Brumbies, a match that went right down to the wire.