GARETH CHILCOTT on the Lions' task...

The Lions have got every opportunity to win this Test series – but it is imperative they hit the ground running.

There were not too many surprises in Ian McGeechan's team selection for the first Test – and, if anything, the only areas for debate were fly-half, openside flanker and second row.

That suggests the Lions have gelled into a settled side who are confident in each other and I like the look and balance of this team.

I can also see three huge pluses in the Lions' favour this weekend.

One is that, of all the grounds in South Africa, Durban has been the most unsuccessful for the Springboks. They have lost more games there than any other venue.

Second, they are up against a side who have moved their captain, John Smit, from hooker to tighthead prop. I am not doubting he is a very good player, but the fact he played so long at hooker before switching suggests there could be a weakness there.

And also, the Springboks simply haven't played for a long time.

I can understand the argument for saying they will be fresh, but I think they will be ring-rusty, just as the Lions were in their opening tour match three weeks ago.

Those are three big positives I can see for the Lions – but I also believe they have to win today if they are to have any chance of winning the series.

Once South Africa have played in Durban, they will be up to altitude and back in their stronghold in Pretoria and Johannesburg.

If they lose, it is going to be a really, really tough upward battle for the Lions to win the series. Win today and South Africa will become nervous, knowing they cannot afford to make any more mistakes.

That promises to make for a fascinating game today – and I just hope the Lions can front up physically. Physicality is a huge part of the Springboks' game – and the size of the two teams is marked.

There is absolutely no doubt this tour is completely different to 2005 in New Zealand – the body language of the players is so positive this time.

It has been a happy tour so far and the players certainly seem to have a good spirit. They have got to this stage unbeaten and in good shape, so they have every reason to be confident.

INTERVIEW: STEVE COTTON