The British and Irish Lions return to South Africa this month for the first time in 12 years.

Their 1997 trip proved an unforgettable experience, culminating in a dramatic Test series success following victories over the Springboks in Cape Town and Durban.

PA Sport rugby union correspondent Andrew Baldock looks at the opponents awaiting them this time around.

ROYAL XV

Date: Saturday, May 30.

Venue: Rustenburg (Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace).

Capacity: 38,000.

Coach: Chaka Willemse.

Key players (possible): Michael Bondesio, Dennis Brits, Hannes Franklin.

History: An invitational team likely to comprise players from sides like Valke, the Leopards and Pumas as the Lions open their tour at altitude.

Verdict: Should prove a comfortable opening victory for the tourists.

GOLDEN LIONS

Date: Wednesday, June 3.

Venue: Johannesburg (Ellis Park).

Capacity: 60,000.

Coach: Eugene Eloff.

Key players: Andre Pretorius, Jaque Fourie, Earl Rose.

History: Formerly Transvaal, then Gauteng Lions, their history is an impressive one, showing five victories against the British and Irish Lions, plus successes against New Zealand, England, Australia and France.

Verdict: It will be no midweek picnic for the tourists, but hard to imagine anything other than a solid win.

CHEETAHS

Date: Saturday, June 6.

Venue: Bloemfontein (Vodacom Park).

Capacity: 36,500.

Coach: Naka Drotske.

Key players: Juan Smith, Corne Uys, Bevin Fortuin.

History: Entered the Super 14 when it was expanded from 12 teams in 2006, but made no impact on this season's competition, winning just two of their first 11 games.

Verdict: Likely to be a bruising affair, but the Lions should ultimately have too much in their armoury.

SHARKS

Date: Wednesday, June 10.

Venue: Durban (ABSA Stadium).

Capacity: 52,000.

Coach: John Plumtree.

Key players: John Smit, Ruan Pienaar, Ryan Kankowski.

History: Finished third in Super 12 or 14 rugby on three occasions. On their day, a devastating unit under the direction of former Swansea coach John Plumtree.

Verdict: Comfortably the strongest of South Africa's Super 14 sides, they could make life tough for the Lions.

WESTERN PROVINCE

Date: Saturday, June 13

Venue: Cape Town (Newlands).

Capacity: 51,000.

Coach: Rassie Erasmus.

Key players: Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Ricky Januarie.

History: Formed in 1883, Western Province have won South Africa's Currie Cup on a record 32 occasions.

Verdict: Will head coach Ian McGeechan run his possible Test team a week before the Springboks opener? Lions to win.

SOUTHERN KINGS

Date: Tuesday, June 16.

Venue: Port Elizabeth (Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium).

Capacity: 50,000.

Coach (possible): Heyneke Meyer.

Key players (possible): Michael Vermaak, Solly Tybilika, Norman Nelson.

History: South Africa's newest franchise will make their competitive bow against the Lions. Set to compete in the 2010 Currie Cup competition.

Verdict: The Lions should overcome a team and franchise in its infancy.

SOUTH AFRICA

Dates: June 20, June 27 and July 4.

Venues: Durban (June 20), Pretoria (Loftus Versfeld, June 27) and Johannesburg (July 4).

Capacities: 52,000 (Durban), 45,000 (Pretoria), 60,000 (Johannesburg).

Coach: Peter de Villiers.

Captain: John Smit.

Key players: Victor Matfield, Schalk Burger, Bryan Habana.

History: Current world champions, as they were in 1997 when the Lions last toured South Africa. Notoriously physical and powerful, history is on their side, having won seven Test series against their British and Irish visitors.

Verdict: Test series might be closer than many people think, but South Africa to take it 2-1.

EMERGING SPRINGBOKS

Date: Tuesday, June 23.

Venue: Cape Town (Newlands).

Capacity: 51,000.

Coach: Chester Williams.

Key players (possible): Luke Watson, Johann Muller, Heinrich Brussow.

History: South Africa's second team, their history includes winning the International Rugby Board Nations Cup in 2007. Played the Lions 10 years earlier, losing 51-22.

Verdict: Final midweek game for the Lions, who should have enough in the tank to subdue South Africa's young guns.