'We have a lot of speed'

“The best team we have had for many years” is how Lions manager Allan Martin sums up his side for this year’s Rugby Classic.

The Classic Lions squad for 2010 is crammed full of experience and oozes quality across the board.

Martin believes his team has what it takes to go all the way this year.

And he’s keen to put behind last year’s “thrashing” at the hands of the New Zealanders in the final.

He told the Sun: “We have a lot of speed behind the pack this year – the likes of Dafydd James, James Topping and Girvan Dempsey are going to be a handful for any back line.

“But there is a lot of bulk and power up front too.

“People like Malcolm O’Kelly and Anthony Foley give us good height and great options in the line-out.

“So I’m really excited about the team we have for this year.

“I hope we can perform to the standard we look like we can on paper.”

The Classic Lions have a strong Irish contingent this year with Malcolm O’Kelly, Girvan Dempsey and Anthony Foley all boasting more than 60 caps.

They are joined by fellow countryman and evergreen hooker Shane Byrne in a side that will be hoping to banish last year’s defeat in the final.

Martin added: “That was a tough game for us last year in the final.

“It was a bit of a thrashing in the end and we’ll be looking to go a step further this year.

“The Kiwis had a couple of guys with plenty of gas who were hard to get hold of once they broke the line and their defence in their own 22 was pretty special.”

The Lions manager does not expect any easy games at this year’s tournament.

He said: “I think the standard is such that these days there are no push over games.

“Everyone is in with a shout.

“The Argentinians are always tough and physical.

“And you can expect the big three of Australia, New Zealand and South Africa to be fit and very competitive.

“I think a lot of the boys who are here for the first time will be surprised at just how good the standard is.

“Anyone thinking they are coming along for a bit of a jolly will get a bit of a shock.”

The Classic Lions kick off their campaign against the Canadians at 2:30pm on Sunday.

They’ll be looking for a solid start to help build confidence in the camp.

Should everything go according to the form guide it looks like they will be meeting the Boks on Wednesday evening.

Although the manager is experienced enough to know success depends on which team gels the quickest.

He said: “Our first practice session together as a team will be on the Saturday.

“And it will take time for the guys to get to know each other and work through the set plays.

“But you can guarantee one thing — once we get on the pitch it will be serious business.”