British and Irish Lions

Ieuan Evans believes selecting only players with a burning desire to represent the British & Irish Lions will give Sir Clive Woodward's men the chance to triumph in New Zealand.

The Wales legend, three times a Lions tourist, reckons keeping the squad motivated will be a key factor this summer.

"The Lions is all about healthy competition internally," he said. "You need that fight, that desire to make the Test team."

Former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio agrees.

"It is about taking players who will fight for the jersey right up until the last day of the tour," said Dallaglio, emphasising some of his own qualities.

"That is the only way you have a chance of beating New Zealand - if you take 44 players who all want to wear a Test jersey come the end of the tour."

Ian McGeechan, as head coach of the midweek XV, will be a key figure in ensuring the squad remains integrated and motivated. And there is no more suitable character.

'Geech' led the Lions to victory in Australia in 1989 and South Africa in 1997 and epitomises everything they stand for.

Evans added: "It's a very good move. I have a huge regard for him, not only in his coaching ability, but how he feels Lions rugby, he lives it.

"He epitomises Lions rugby and having him on board reminds everyone what it is about."

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.