Whenever the British and Irish Lions go on tour (every four years) it sends a ripple of excitement through rugby union fans the world over - and no wonder, for the team is composed of the cream of rugby talent from England,Ireland, Scotland and Wales.

Putting together a winning blend from players used to being bitter rivals during the annual Six Nations tournament is no mean feat - but when the chosen XV run out wearing that famous red jersey invariably something magical happens.

If you want positive proof of this happening look no further than the 1974 touring party to South Africa when players of the calibre of JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, Gareth Edwards, current Lions coach Ian McGeechan and then skipper Willie John McBride won three of the four Test matches against the Springboks and drew the other one.

On the flip side of the coin, the 2005 tourists to New Zealand failed to fire on all cylinders and despite coach Sir Clive Woodward's immaculate credentials they failed to ignite and found themselves on the receiving end on a tour which they would no doubt prefer to forget.

The Lions are back on tour to South Africa in 2009 when they will play three Test matches against the current world champions and the Springboks are itching to gain revenge, having lost the series 2-1 the last time the teams met back in 1997.

The Springboks have been waiting a long time to exact revenge but they would be well advised not to underestimate the opposition.

Pulling on that red jersey is still the ultimate accolade for players representing the four home nations and a tour to South Africa represents the ultimate challenge. That is what makes Test matches involving the Lions such special occasions.