Brian Ashton is confident the British and Irish Lions will have the physical and mental strength to overcome South Africa.
Former England boss ready for "fascinating" tour
Former England head coach Brian Ashton is confident the British and Irish Lions will have the physical and mental strength to overcome South Africa this summer.
Lions head coach Ian McGeechan will put all speculation to an end when he announces his 36-man touring squad on Tuesday live on
Sky Sports News at 1.30pm.
And Ashton, who guided England to the 2007 World Cup final, believes whoever McGeechan selects will be able to step up and record back-to-back victories over the Springboks.
Speaking to
Sky Sports News, Ashton said: "The first 20 minutes of the first Test match will be fascinating.
"I believe that the Lions will stand up to them physically - I am absolutely convinced they will.
Advantage
"I'm sure they will have the belief that we have got players in our side who can do that unexpected thing when the moment arrives to make sure we tip it in our favour."
South Africa, the reigning world champions, are renowned for their aggressive style in the pack mixed with their lightning quick back-line.
The combination edged out England 15-6 in the last World Cup final in Paris but Ashton believes the Lions will be more prepared than the host nation by the time the first Test gets underway on June 20.
"If you don't stand up and you don't stand toe-to-toe metaphorically and slog it out with them they will trample all over you it is as simple as that," he said.
"That is a given so any 15 players that are on the field at any one time on that tour have got to be able to do that and have got to have the mentality to do that.
"I think the Test team - if there is a Test team in mind already - it needs to play together on at least two or three occasions before the first Test if possible.
"But don't forget South Africa will have only played one warm-up game, and that sounds like it might be a straightforward one for them, since they played the autumn internationals.
"So they're coming in slightly cold as well despite the fact that the majority of the team has been together for four of five years and the Lions have a tiny advantage there."
