Dwayne Peel has turned to former Wales and Lions scrum-halves Rob Howley and Robert Jones in a bid to make the Lions Test scrum-half spot his own. Howley featured on the 1997 and 2001 Lions tours, while Jones was a star of the 1989 Australia trip.
Peel starts against Wellington on Wednesday knowing he needs a strong game if he is to emulate his heroes.
"I speak to Robert Jones regularly, and he just told me to give it my best and enjoy the whole occasion," Peel said.
"I have spoken to Rob Howley and Robert about their Lions experiences."
A convincing display against Wellington should seal the No 9 Test shirt for Peel, despite competition from Matt Dawson, Chris Cusiter and fellow Welshman Gareth Cooper.
"Chris Cusiter's performance (against Taranaki) does push me that bit more, but there was always going to be a massive battle for places because everyone wants to be in the Test match side," Peel added.
Peel and Jonny Wilkinson will forge an exciting half-back combination as the Lions look to bounce back from their 13-19 defeat against New Zealand Maori last weekend.
The half-back partnership is not the only combination coach Sir Clive Woodward hopes will click as he sends out a near Test-strength side at Westpac Stadium.
The midfield of Brian O'Driscoll and Gavin Henson has Test team written all over it, while the Josh Lewsey/Jason Robinson/Gareth Thomas back three also finds itself in pole position.
"It is important that Jonny and I get a good understanding going, as it is for any half-back pair," Peel added, who already has an excellent understanding with Wales fly-half Stephen Jones - who along with Charlie Hodgson is the other Test possible at No 10.
"There is a responsibility on me to get the forwards where I need them, and almost harry them around the pitch, but I suppose that is the role of a scrum-half and it is the case in every game, regardless.
"Wellington are a quality side, and they have featured well in the National Provincial Championship in the last two years, but we had a great training session on Sunday, so hopefully we will be firing on all cylinders."
Wellington: Shannon Paku; Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, Tane Tu'ipulotu, Roy Kinikinilau, Jimmy Gopperth, Piri Weepu; Joe McDonnell (captain), Mahonri Schwalger, Tim Fairbrother, Luke Andrews, Ross Filipo, Kristian Ormsby, Ben Herring, Thomas Waldrom.
Replacements: Luke Mahoney, John Schwalger, Kane Thompson, Justin Purdie, Riki Flutey, Tamati Ellison, Cory Jane.
British and Irish Lions: J Lewsey (England); J Robinson (England), B O'Driscoll (Ireland, capt), G Henson (Wales), G Thomas (Wales); J Wilkinson (England), D Peel (Wales); G Jenkins (Wales), S Byrne (Ireland), J White (England); D Grewcock (England), B Kay (England); S Easterby (Ireland), N Back (England), M Corry (England).
Replacements: G Bulloch (Scotland), M Stevens (England), P O'Connell (Ireland), R Hill (England), C Cusiter (Scotland), S Jones (Wales), S Horgan (Ireland).
MMIX
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