Lions legend Willie John McBride has hailed the durability of Martin Johnson as he prepares to lead another major overseas British rugby expedition.

Four years after captaining the Lions in South Africa, Johnson will be skipper for this summer's testing mission Down Under.

In doing so, he becomes the first player to fill such a prestigious role on two separate Lions tours.

Not even Irishman McBride, the most celebrated Lion king of them all, could manage such a feat.

He did though feature on five Lions tours 1962, 1966, 1968, 1971 and 1974 the latter as captain.

McBride also made a record 17 Test appearances, so he knows exactly the qualities Johnson will require as head of a 37-strong squad.

``Martin's appointment shows great durability on his part obviously he has been doing a good job in his captaincy roles with Leicester and England to achieve this most unusual feat,'' he said.

``It would be a tremendous achievement for him to be captain of two winning Lions tours. As for a third, then who knows? He's still quite young.''

McBride famously oversaw the '74 Lions unbeaten trip in South Africa 22 matches, 21 wins and one draw which earned him a glowing reference from tour manager Alun Thomas.

``The captain was an exceptional man,'' Thomas wrote in his end of tour report. ``His outstanding qualities as a player and a man are so well known, that I can never adequately describe them in print.

``He was literally worshipped by the players, not only because of his own courage and strength of commitment, but because they saw in him all the things they would like to be.

``He shielded them, nurtured them and above all, inspired them. He shirked nothing, and was that rare breed, a natural leader of men.''

Given what Johnson has already achieved with the Lions, England and Leicester, he is beginning to fit a similar bill.

And his place among rugby's all-time greats will be confirmed should the 2001 Lions beat world champions Australia in their own back yard.

``The game has changed dramatically since I was playing,'' said McBride.

``We didn't have anywhere near the same depth of coaching and back-up staff as they do now. In my days, the captain was a lot more involved in that side of
things.

``But this is going to be a tough tour. It's the shortest-ever Lions trip, so they don't have a lot of time to get things together.

``That said, I believe the Lions have a very strong squad and can win the series, although it will take a lot of hard work.''

McBride says that Johnson and company must target the first Test in Brisbane on June 30 as critical a game which could make or break the tour.

``If the Lions win the first Test, then they are off and running,'' he said. ``But if they lose it, then they are immediately chasing the series and trying to recover.

``Australia are not world champions for nothing. They have a superb back division with probably the best half-backs (Stephen Larkham and George Gregan) in world rugby.

``I think the Lions forwards can match them, but the game today is based a lot on defence. Australia can absorb pressure for 10 or 15 minutes and then strike they are an extremely clinical team.''

The Lions assemble in the Hampshire countryside tomorrow, where they will embark on a week's team building before heading to Australia next Friday lunchtime.

Having led Leicester to a history-making treble of Heineken Cup, Premiership title and Zurich Championship play-off crown and also been at the helm during England's record-breaking Six Nations season, Johnson provides the Lions with an inspirational figurehead.

``I am looking forward to being out there and supporting the Lions,'' said McBride, his feeling of anticipation almost tangible.

``We wish them all the very best.''