Gerald Davies ticks every box as manager of the 2009 British and Irish Lions.

Articulate, approachable, almost statesman-like in presence, Davies appears to be the perfect choice for this summer's 10-match South Africa tour.

He could play a bit, too.

Twice a Lions tourist – South Africa 1968 and New Zealand 1971 – the wing wizard also won 46 caps for Wales, scoring 20 tries with a panache and sense of daring that made him box-office material.

And Davies has already won many admirers for his approach to a tour that comes four years after the widely-condemned Clive Woodward circus of too many players, too many coaches and too little quality performances.

If anything, the 2009 Lions will be a throwback in time – one set of coaches for Saturday and midweek teams, one inclusive squad and everyone travelling together.

Davies is tasked with moulding the logistics, and no stone has been left unturned in preparation.

Davies and Lions head coach Ian McGeechan took several fact-finding trips to South Africa during the past 12 months and, now the squad has been selected, it is full steam ahead towards the departure day of May 24.

"The biggest challenge facing the management team is to get everything to work in such a short space of time," said Davies.

"We only have seven weeks together on tour, so it is vital that the preparatory work done ahead of meeting as a squad is spot-on.

"We want to make it a special time for the players, management and fans.

"I want to try to create an atmosphere in which the Lions players are true competitors and are enjoying themselves as well.

"We won't be looking back at the way things were run on previous tours. People who went before us did things their way and did what they felt needed to be done.

"It is about what you believe the Lions stand for, what your objectives are and doing what needs to be done under the conditions.

"Because we are together for such a short period of time, you don't get any second chances.

"Having been fortunate enough to play for the Lions, I know how special it is to be chosen – and then how magical it is to tour with players from the other nations.

"The values that were there when I toured in 1968 and 1971 had been forged over many decades and many tours. Both Geech and I are determined to make those same values important to the players of 2009."

Davies was appointed to the Lions manager's role in late 2007, and one thing hasn't changed during the subsequent 18 months – the enormity of South Africa's challenge.

As when the Lions last toured Springbok country in 1997, their hosts are world champions.

And, in another repeat of 12 years ago, the Lions will also travel as huge underdogs for the three-Test series.

"We know how challenging a tour to the home of the reigning world champions is going to be," added Davies.

"Since the professional era dawned in the 1990s, some people have questioned the value and meaning of the Lions.

"When I was appointed as manager, I was curious to find out what the players and the fans felt about the concept of the Lions.

"The overwhelming view, as expressed to me, was that the players cherish and respect the concept of the Lions. Those who make the grade feel it is the pinnacle of their achievement, while those who fail to make it wish they had.

"I can think back to my time, green and wide-eyed, when I played for the Lions on South African soil and got to understand their tough mentality, their physical approach to rugby and their tough-as-teak physical presence.

"I can also think of their subtle talents and the speed and determination with which they pursue a chase.

"I recognise the pride they have in the national team, the Springboks.

"They love rugby with a fervour and a passion in South Africa – but then, so do we."