And Back’s opinions come on good authority. Next month, the 32-year-old will embark on his second Lions tour - he is one of 16 surviving players from the 1997 trip to South Africa - and he believes this year’s Lions are as good as any from the years before.

‘‘I believe we have got a squad here which is capable of beating Australia,’’ said the flanker, who was an instrumental figure in the Lions’ 2-1 Test victory four years ago.

‘‘It is just down to how well we gel as a squad. Hopefully, we will gel as well as we did in 1997 and we will then have a real chance.

‘‘The 1997 was a very good tour. We went down there and were given no hope by anyone associated with the game.

‘‘South Africa were world champions at that time, as are Australia this time around, and no one gave us a hope. That just steered us and made us more determined. History shows what we can achieve.

‘‘The difference this year is that although Australia are world champions, there is a belief we can do well out there.’’

Back, however, insists he is under no illusions as to how strong Australia will be in the three-Test series, which will take place in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, despite England’s 22-19 triumph over the Aussies last November.

Back continued: ‘‘It is as tough as it gets. At the end of the day, we are playing the world champions, the Tri-nations champions and they are playing at home, which is an obvious big advantage. They are a fantastic rugby nation, as well as every other sport going.

‘‘England may have beaten Australia last year, and this squad is made up of a large majority of Englishmen, but that does not necessarily mean we are going to see a repeat of the November Test.’’

Back also says he will not be taking anything for granted when he touches ground down under, despite being an England international regular since 1997 and constantly producing outstanding performances in the 1997 Lions tour.

‘‘I am very proud to be on the tour again,’’ said Back, who will be competing against the likes of Richard Hill, Martyn Williams and Colin Charvis for the number seven berth.

‘‘After playing for your country, it is the biggest honour in the game you can achieve. I was very happy to be on the 1997 tour, but to be on the second Lions tour is fantastic.

‘‘I am taking nothing for granted though. Competition is fierce in the back row. For me, the starting objective was just to get named in the squad, which I have done.

‘‘Now, it is to get in the starting line-up for the test or at least in the 22. As far as I am concerned I am only going out there as an equal, with a reputation. That is all.

‘‘Everything is about the way you perform out there and also the way you gel with players from other nations. I think the only player you can definitely say will play is Martin Johnson. Everyone else is fighting for a place.’’