Ahead, lies a mouthwatering contest between the best of northern and southern hemisphere rugby union.

It is a dream match-up - the Lions, complete with an illustrious history and boasting Britain and Ireland’s finest players, against the World Cup holders in their own back-yards of Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney over three successive weekends.

The Gabba, venue for tomorrow’s opener, sold out weeks ago, while Brisbane has been invaded by thousands of red-shirted Lions fans all anticipating a potentially great sporting occasion.

The Lions, despite losing probable Test players Lawrence Dallaglio, Dan Luger and Mike Catt through injury, have comfortably beaten Super 12 sides Queensland and New South Wales during a six-match sequence which produced only one defeat, a 28-25 reversal against Australia A.

Coach Graham Henry has tipped his Test XV to produce "a marvellous performance" and, with the likes of in-form quartet Jason Robinson, Jonny Wilkinson, Rob Howley and Richard Hill on show, his wish might be granted.

Australia though, relishing what scrum-half George Gregan has termed "a once-in-a-career opportunity," are rugby union’s world leaders, at the peak of their powers.

World champions, Tri-Nations title-holders and Bledisloe Cup winners, the Tom Richards Trophy would nestle neatly alongside such an imposing collection if John Eales’ Wallabies become lion-tamers.

Home advantage suggests Eales and company will prevail, yet the Lions are determined to try and emulate their 1989 predecessors, 2-1 series victors over Australia the last time battle lines were drawn Down Under.

Henry’s plans have been hit by injury setbacks, of that there is be little doubt, but meticulous preparations and his outstanding career coaching record as a proven winner means the Lions can feel quietly confident.

Henderson, one of 11 Lions Test debutants in action tomorrow when he forges an all-Irish midfield combination with Brian O’Driscoll, knows what is required.

"We are playing against the best defensive side in the world, and we need to show an intelligent use of the ball, rather than just a physical effort to try and pierce it," he said.

"With Brian outside me, and Jonny (Wilkinson) inside, I will be playing in an armchair, and it is up to me the make the most of it.

"But collectively, we know that we will have to play the best game of our lives.

"For me, the emotion of being invited on this tour hasn’t changed, so to be included in the Test side was icing on the cake," Henderson added.

"I knew, when I saw the squad, that guys like Will Greenwood and Mike Catt were there, so gaining selection provides an amazing end to my season."

Henry, outwardly calm and collected during the build-up, believes the Lions are well-prepared and ready for whatever is thrown at them.

"We have got a game plan in mind, one that we had before we left England, and the personnel selected on Saturday haven’t made any difference to that plan," he said, playing down those unfortunate injury absences.

"We’ve seen one or two things that we think we can take advantage of in the Australian team, and we will be working on those areas.

"I think this team will produce a marvellous performance. The attitude and commitment is total, and I am sure they will deliver a performance they can be proud of."

South African referee Andre Watson could be the busiest participant early on, especially if predictions of niggle and hostility erupt in volcanic fashion.

Neither side, quite rightly, will be prepared to take a backward step during some inevitably brutal exchanges, and Watson must ensure the game doesn’t boil over.

Provided he keeps control, and both teams concentrate on playing rugby, there is every reason to expect a classic.

Among many intriguing individual duels, none leaps out more than the fly-half head to head between Wallabies star Stephen Larkham and potential Lions matchwinner Jonny Wilkinson.

Both players are capable of turning a game upside down through one moment of brilliance, yet both teams are littered with class and quality.

The prospects are endless - former rugby league stars Andrew Walker Jason Robinson opposing each other on the wing, Daniel Herbert against O’Driscoll at outside centre, Eales versus Johnson and blockbusting number eights Toutai Kefu and Scott Quinnell getting to grips.

Wallabies coach Rod Macqueen today summed up the feeling of anticipation, claiming: "This is the most motivated Wallaby team I have ever seen.

"There is no need to remind them of the importance of this game. This is the only opportunity you get to play against the Lions."

So much at stake then, so many reputations on the line, but the Lions might just strike first, with goalkicker Wilkinson edging them home.