Lions skipper Martin Johnson has urged his players to respond to the high expectations of the public by repeating the success of the 1997 tour to South Africa.

"Expectations among the media and public are a bit higher than in 1997, and that brings an added measure of pressure," Johnson said.

"Since then, British rugby in the main has been on the up, and we will be looking to make our own mark.

"This is Lions 2001, and it will be a difficult challenge going to Australia, but we are looking forward to creating our own bit of history, if we can.

"In 97, I was a very experienced captain with a lot of experienced players around me. I am a more experienced captain now but there are also a lot of leaders within this squad."

Wales coach Henry has been mightily impressed with what he has witnessed during the early stages of preparation.

"I have been delighted with the players' attitude. They are in great nick," he said.

"My job is to try and provide the best environment, but we know that we will all have to produce a personal best to be successful in Australia.

"Personally I feel that it is very important that I repay the confidence people have shown in selection for this tour.

"I will need to coach at a higher level than I have ever done before, and that in itself is a great challenge," he added.

"It is stimulating to be involved as a coach with the best 37 players from four countries.

"We've had four training runs so far, and they have been beyond what I thought they would be by a considerable margin.

"We've got a month before the first Test to put it all together and get things right, but we are progressing pretty quickly."