Phil Vickery is preparing for a "phenomenal" physical assault from the South Africans during the 10-match Lions tour which offers England's self-styled 'Raging Bull' another opportunity to prove he's still a major force in the sport.

Having recovered from three back operations and surgery on his neck, the 2003 World Cup winner is being cast in the unwanted role of understudy to Euan Murray, the Scotland tight-head prop.

But making himself first choice is the kind of challenge relished by the 33-year-old, who sports a tattoo on his right shoulder which reads in Chinese: "I will fight you to the death".

Vickery was the Lions Test No3 when they lost 2-1 to Australia in 2001, then missed out on the tour to New Zealand four years later due to injury.

But his commitment helped him win a contract with Wasps after former club Gloucester believed he was too much of a risk and after doing so well there, he went on to captain England at the 2007 World Cup Final, when they lost to this summer's hosts.

Now the 73-cap prop hopes to add to his 10 appearances against the Springboks, which includes five wins, and gives the England hard man a valuable insight into what will be required on this tour.

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."