Vickery said: "Whenever you see that dark green jersey on the other side of the pitch you know there is going to be one hell of a fight to be won. The physicality that the Springboks bring to the game is second to none in terms of what I have experienced in my career. It's phenomenal. I am genuinely looking forward to what is about to happen on this tour. I just want to make sure I stay fit, play well and cause some problems for the management when they sit down to pick the Test team. It's now about pushing yourself as hard as you can and that's why I am here.
"Ultimately, it's about turning individual success with your club, province or country into a significant performance for the Lions because you cannot rest on your laurels or you will be brought very quickly down to earth."
Vickery has huge respect for Springbok captain John Smit, who has been switched from the hooker's role he held during the victorious 2007 World Cup campaign to tight-head prop to allow Bismarck Du Plessis to play at No2. The formation has worked well at club level for Natal Sharks and is likely to be continued against the Lions.
Vickery added: "I said years ago when critics were piling i nto John Smit about him not being good enough that he is one of the most consistent players on the Test circuit and he has become captain of the World Cup winners.
"John started at tight-head prop in his playing career, so going back to No3 is viable and he can deal with the different techniques and demands.
"However, at the very top end of the game - and that is what you get on a Lions tour - it is difficult to handle everything. But if anyone can make the move from hooker to tight-head prop then it's this boy."
