All eyes on Aussie as rugby season kicks off

France, Italy, the British and Irish Lions and Argentina will be scattered around the southern hemisphere over the next month or so as the countdown to the international season starts in South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

And what a string of test series we're in for. Let's face it, France (two) and Italy (one) are not likely to give the Springboks too much to worry about in the upcoming tests in Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth.

In Australia, it's another story. The world champion Wallabies host the Lions, an exclusive group of individuals from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. As separate sides they can pose a threat - England and Wales have beaten the Springboks before - but as a composite side the Lions are even greater opposition.

For the Wallabies, the three-test series against the Lions is one helluva way to prepare for the Tri-Nations against South Africa and New Zealand which starts at Newlands on July 21.

We see the Lions only once every four years so they fall into the elite category of the Olympic Games. Okay, some of them may never be Olympic gold medallists but a series against the Lions is always one the public and players look forward to.

The last time the Lions donned their famous red jumpers, they humbled a nation that goes gaga over a bokkie. That was in 1997 when Martin Johnson's side beat the Springboks. The defeat signalled the end (although he saw the Springboks through to the Tri-Nations) of Carel du Plessis' cameo stint in charge of the national side.

Of the three Tri-Nations countries, Australia will have the toughest preparation. Whether this will make them a bigger threat for South Africa and New Zealand remains to be seen.

Former Springbok coach Nick Mallett reminded us all last night that confidence plays a big part in any series, let alone the Tri-Nations.

As much as some people want to discard the competitiveness of northern hemisphere teams, you cannot ignore the fact that any game against the Lions (unless they play Western Australia) is a 50/50 affair. A slip up in a test and injuries could see Australia panic, something they would not want to do ahead of their Tri-Nations opener at Loftus.

The Springboks have an "easier" passage to Newlands where they play the All Blacks in the first match. Before then, it's France, and as unpredictable as they are, they are not expected to be an Everest for the Springboks.

In scrumhalf Fabian Galthie they have a captain who is familiar with South African conditions, having played for Cape clubs False Bay and Hamiltons some years back.

And if nothing else, at least we will have seen Elvis (Vermeulen) live in action.