By Andrew Baldock

Although the players will take centre-stage during this summer's Test series between the Lions and New Zealand, there will be an interesting tactical battle going on behind the scenes.

In the Lions' coaching corner is England World Cup mastermind Sir Clive Woodward, while standing opposite him is All Blacks supremo Graham Henry.

The coaching duel is given added spice by Henry's appointment - above Woodward, among others - for Lions coaching duties in Australia four years ago when the tourists lost the Test series.

Here, we assess how they might fare against each other in eight key areas.

PREPARATION

Woodward's eye for detail - from picking the best players to appointing the right kit man - proved fundamental behind his success with England, and having quit Twickenham almost eight months ago, all his energies have been devoted towards Lions business. England won the 2003 World Cup, he is convinced, because they arrived in Australia as the best-prepared squad. Henry, clearly, could be up against it.

ORGANISATION

A total of 44 players - 45, if Jonny Wilkinson travels - and 27 support staff make Woodward's Lions the largest-ever assembled tour party to leave British shores. Meticulous planning has included appointing the Lions' own chef, lawyer and even a specialist media adviser in former Labour communications chief Alastair Campbell. Money, it would appear, has been no object, and Henry - one would imagine - doesn't quite know what to make of the Woodward entourage.

MEDIA RELATIONS

Both coaches are comfortable amid the often intense atmosphere of pre and post-match press conferences, and neither will take a backward step if they feel an important message needs to be put across. Woodward and Henry can be charm personified at times, but there is also potential for them to be wound up by eager inquisitors. The media circus could prove great fun.

PLAYER POWER

Henry had his fingers burned in Australia four years ago when players, disgruntled by what they perceived as endless training sessions, let their feelings be known in no uncertain terms. He struggled to keep a lid on matters as the tour, at one time, found itself threatened by anarchy. For his part, Woodward had to deal with a 24-hour England players' strike in 2001 but he made his feelings known in no uncertain terms before relations were repaired.

PRESSURE SITUATIONS

T-cup (thinking clearly under pressure) is one of Woodward's mantras, and he will expect his players not to fall short in the composure department when heat inevitably comes on at Test venues Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland. Henry prides himself on similar attributes, but having won a World Cup against Australia in Sydney, Woodward might just have an edge.

OPPOSITION ANALYSIS

It is an area where neither coach will fall short, with both of them using every technical aid in the book to pin-point strengths and weaknesses. Their attention to detail is legendary in rugby circles, and anything their players do not know about relevant opposite numbers during Test weeks, will not be worth knowing any way.

TACTICAL AWARENESS

Woodward, as he did during his seven-year reign in charge of England, has surrounded himself with the best coaches, technical specialists and advisers around for the Lions expedition, and he will readily use that expertise to gain any tactical edge. Henry though, has Steve Hansen and Wayne Smith as his trusty assistants - and all three boast considerable knowledge of British rugby.

WHAT NEXT?

Woodward will hope to ride off into the sunset - well, straight for Southampton Football Club, it is expected - as the most successful coach in British rugby history, with a World Cup, Lions Test series and Six Nations Grand Slam all successfully accomplished. Henry, in contrast, could find himself out of a job if New Zealand come unstuck.