The Lions have beaten the All Blacks just once in 117 years and coach Sir Clive Woodward is leaving no stone unturned in his hunt for a rare success in New Zealand.

He has named a 27-strong backroom staff and on Monday will announce the vast 44-man playing squad charged with beating the All Blacks in the Test series.

Dallaglio, a veteran of two Lions tours already, harbours genuine ambitions of being included in Woodward's party even though he has retired from playing for England.

And the former England captain knows exactly what will be required of him if he does make the squad.

"The Lions is so unique. It has no history and no future, it's about the seven weeks you are there. New Zealand is not for the faint-hearted," said Dallaglio.

"It is the hardest country for any Lions tour.

"So before people become too critical of what the Lions do, they have to realise that when you leave this country you are taking on a whole nation.

"You have a week together, which is not long to come together, and then you fly to the other side of the world to take on one of the most formidable rugby nations in the world."