THE British Lions have been tipped to win the three-Test series in New Zealand this summer by the greatest Welsh Lion of them all - Gareth Edwards.

The most famous player in Welsh rugby, voted the best player of all time, was a leading light in the Lions' only triumph Down Under in 1971 under the leadership of fellow Welshmen John Dawes as captain and Carwyn James as coach.

Tours were a lot longer then, with far less media attention and a much smaller number of players than the jumbo-sized 45 flying out on May 25.

But Edwards is confident the Lions can get the better of their biggest enemy, the All Blacks, on their own territory.

"The nucleus of the team is strong enough to win the series, though it won't be easy because it's going to be three hard Tests in a fortnight," said Edwards in a special interview with the Argus.

"There are 40-odd players going on the tour this time, but the Lions will need their critical players in their right positions at the right time.

"So yes, if the Lions get their best team on the field they can win the series."

Edwards is attending a British Lions legends dinner at the Celtic Manor a week Sunday for the Lions Trust which aids ex-Lions who have fallen on hard times and has former stars like Gerald Davies and Syd Millar, chairman of the International Board, among its trustees.

It also aids the development of the game and distributes community and education grants to help bring through potential Lions.

"It's going to be the ultimate test for the Lions, especially with Graham Henry and Steve Hansen in charge of the All Blacks and recently having their contracts extended until the next World Cup," said Edwards.

"That will give them extra confidence, and they'll know us and how we prepare as well.The All Blacks look sharp, they've got some cracking players of real quality and they'll be getting into form through the Super 12s which gives them ideal preparation.

"Daniel Carter made his debut against Wales not so long ago, but he's got a bucketful of caps now and looks better every time he plays.

"Doug Howlett is only 24 or 25 but has played around 60 Tests and we all know what Joe Rokocoko can do. "The challenge is on and I'm confident, though not over confident. It could be a cracking series.

"The record shows it's difficult to win in New Zealand. You need the right personnel on board, like big, strong forwards who are good ball winners and carriers.

"The Lions appear to have that, and then behind there's players of the calibre of Brian O'Driscoll, Gavin Henson and Shane Williams who can rip any defence apart.

"The weather can play a big part in New Zealand, of course, though the grounds are a lot better now as you can see from watching the Super 12. "But we've got the personnel who can play in any type of weather, guys like Lawrence Dallaglio and Martyn Williams who are at the top of their form, excellent players and ball users. It does set up a very exciting series."

Edwards says the battle for the Lions' Test outside half spot between Wales' Stephen Jones and England ace Jonny Wilkinson, a late inclusion for the tour after all his injury problems, will be one of the focal points.

"It's interesting now Jonny's going which presents a dilemma for coach Sir Clive Woodward because Stephen is on top of his game whereas all Jonny has done is prove his fitness, good player though he is. It'll be interesting to see who he plays in the Argentina game."

That match is on May 23 at the Millennium Stadium, two days before departure. The three Tests against the All Blacks are in successive weeks on June 25 (Christchurch), July 2 (Wellington) and July 9 (Auckland).

l Gareth Edwards' warning for the Welsh players on tour - read more of his interview with the Argus next week.