Brumbies captain Christian Lealiifano says they will be bracing for a fired-up Lions side when they face off on Saturday.
The Johannesburg outfit come to Canberra after a 42-5 loss to the Sharks at home and they will be desperate to start their tour off on the right foot.
Lealiifano said they expected the Lions to bring a strong reaction into the match on Saturday night.
"I think (there'll be) a reaction - they've been a little bit off their game over the last couple of weeks," he said.
"Last week they went down to the Sharks so I'm sure they'll be looking to turn that around - they're a quality team, they're not finalists in this competition for no reason - back-to-back, three times, they've been finalists.
"They've got speed out wide - (flyhalf) Elton Jantjies is a quality player as well that will direct him around.
"It's going to be a physical game for us, most South African sides are, we've just got to be focusing on us and getting our job right as well."
One of the most enthralling battles will be in the front row with Brumbies hooker and Wallabies contender Folau Faingaa faces off against Springboks no. 2 Malcolm Marx.
Marx is widely considered the in-form hooker in the world after bursting onto the Test scene but Lealiifano said Faingaa would be ready for the challenge.
"I think all along Folau's been the kind of guy that is not too fazed by a lot," he said.
"He's really relaxed, you always see him smiling.
"He's not really fazed by who he's playing, whether they're the world's best player or a debutant.
"I think he just worries about himself and his game and trying to play as best he can, which I love.
"He's got a real edge about him that he doesn't care who he's playing against, which is really nice.
"Other people get caught up in the hype of it all but a real nice challenge for him as well and the whole front row.
"That'll set the tone for us, the boys up front, in the engine room they call it, so hopefully they can do their job and we'll do ours."
The Brumbies will be without David Pocock for another week with the flanker a late scratching from Saturday's side.
Lealiifano said he felt for his high-profile teammate but understood there was no benefit to rushing the no. 7 back.
"You see him every day trying to get right - he's doing everything he can and just frustrated for him and disappointing as well," he said.
"We'd love to have him back in play but as long as he can get that right and get 100 % hopefully we can get him when he's fully fit.
"He's had a really good training week and he's contributed a lot throughout the year, even though he has been in and out. I guess he'll be frustrated but I'm sure Jahrome (Brown) and those guys will step up."
The Brumbies take on the Lions on Saturday April 13, kicking off at 7:45pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS, Kayo Sports and via RUGBY.com.au RADIO.
