The British and Irish Lions will touch down on Australian soil today ready for the challenges that await them in “a massive sports country”.

After putting hot and humid business of an appointment with the Barbarians behind them, they kick off nine games Down Under against Western Force in Perth on Wednesday.

Their target is a Test series victory over the Wallabies, which the Lions last achieved in 1989. They have not enjoyed a series triumph against any opponent for 16 years.

“The Australian sides will be more organised and more structured, it is a massive sports country,” Lions and Wales prop Adam Jones said.

“I expect Western Force to be strong. It’s a massive thing to play the Lions, a huge deal for them.

“They won’t shy away from the challenge, which is what you would expect.”

While the Barbarians game took its toll in terms of unrelenting stamina-sapping conditions, the Lions reported no fresh injury concerns as they packed their bags for an eight-hour flight.

Their 59-8 success, scoring eight tries, was in stark contrast to the South Africa tour opener of four years ago when the Lions struggled against a scratch Royal XV in Rustenburg before prevailing 37-25.