Jim Telfer told Sky Sports News that the British and Irish Lions can replicate the series win of 1997.
Lions to raise their game
The man who inspired the Lions to their last series win in South Africa says the British and Irish Lions of 2009 can do it again.
Jim Telfer's infamous 'Everest' speech before the first Test in 1997 has become known as one of the most rousing speeches of all time, but now Telfer says the Lions have to raise their game to new heights.
"I think it will be a greater achievement this time around than it was 12 years ago," Telfer told Sky Sports News.
"Every player in the Springbok team is better than the Lions have played against so far. That has to be taken into consideration.
"The Lions players will rise to the occasion - people like Paul O'Connell, Brian O'Driscoll and Mike Phillips will raise their game. But the Boks are used to winning. Some of them who have been playing in the Super 14 like Pierre Spies, Juan Smith and Victor Matfield are playing at the top of their form."
Strength
In 1997 the Lions' scrum was perceived as their weak point but Telfer put them through one of the most strenuous scrumming sessions ever to turn that weakness into a strength.
This time around, however, the Lions' scrum is pretty impressive but it is the breakdown that Telfer is concerned about.
"The breakdown is the problem area for the Lions. It is not just interpretation.
"People don't believe me when I say that the contact in the Super 14 is ferocious. We have seen that with some of the players coming from the Super 14.
"They have put this chap in called Brussow who was outstanding for the Cheetahs and he will have a big influence at the breakdown."
This time round Telfer will not be on hand to rouse his troops with his words, but he does have some advice for them as they prepare for one of the biggest games of their lives.
"Get your mind right uncluttered and get ready for your job. One of the great things about this squad is that many of them have been winners. There mental toughness is good - they have won grand slams and Heineken Cups.
"I would say go out and play your own game, make sure you do the job you have been picked to do. It is all about performance, you must push yourself to get the highest performance possible."
