Woodward is fully focused on the three-Test summer tour

"I looked closely at what happened in 2001 when they [the Lions] went with world-class players and lost to a mediocre Australia team," he said.

"It was taken too seriously. To be successful we have got to go down there and the whole party has to enjoy it.

"We will take it seriously in terms of planning and preparation, but you've got to play with a smile on your face."

The 2001 tour was led by Graham Henry, now the New Zealand coach, and Woodward is keen to learn from the mistakes his rival made.

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"I am very excited, because it's totally different to the World Cup," he added.

"I want to win just as much as the World Cup, but you've got to manage it and coach it slightly differently, especially when you've got a lot of new players.

"Hence, I did want to have more coaches to make sure all the bits and pieces are in place, but I think you've got to be a bit more relaxed.

"And if the players enjoy the whole experience of being in New Zealand, then when the big matches come round and the Tests kick off, you've got far more chance of winning."

Woodward to help Wales

Having resigned from the England job Woodward has a whole season to prepare for the 11-game trip, a process that will start when he helps Wales in the build-up to their autumn Test against New Zealand.

"It will be fantastic to sit and watch the Welsh team operate, to get to know the players that will go on the Lions tour and see how they play against the All Blacks," he said.