Lions should beware - Guscott

The British and Irish Lions should not underestimate Australia when they head down under in 2013, according to Jeremy Guscott.

Australia had a poor Rugby Championship and many have been talking down their chances next year when they host the Lions. However, Guscott - who went on three Lions' tours and represented England 65 times at Test level - believes that Robbie Deans' men are still very strong. The 47-year-old, writing in The Rugby Paper, said: "The Lions will have a very tough tour, and the Test matches will be an unbelievable challenge, whether or not Robbie Deans is still coach of the Wallabies. If you want a reference point, all you have to do is look at Australia's against-the-odds victory over Argentina in Rosario last weekend." The former Bath player also claimed that Wales' recent three-nil series defeat to the Wallabies in June is ominous as the 2013 Lions touring party will have a large Welsh contingent.