British and Irish Lions

British & Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan is relishing the experience of preparing a side for Monday's clash with Argentina - and is particularly excited about the return to Test rugby of Jonny Wilkinson.

The England fly-half will have his first taste of international rugby since kicking the winning points in the World Cup final 18 months ago when he lines up against the Pumas at the Millennium Stadium.

"It is exciting to have players of this quality to work with and talk to and that reflects what the Lions is all about," said McGeechan.

"You see world-class players at a distance - Brian O'Driscoll is another - and to get to coach them and work with them on the same field excites you.

"I have been very impressed with Jonny. It is good to see him back. He is fully fit, he is keen.

"With his injuries and coming in to the international environment it is like a new start. That is an exciting concept from all our points of view."

Assistant coach Graham Rowntree says The British & Irish Lions will have to be fully focussed to avoid a potential banana skin when they face The Barbarians a week today.

Three former British & Irish Lions will line-up against an England XV at Twickenham Stadium on Sunday as the Barbarians warm-up for their showdown with the 2013 tourists in Hong Kong next week.