Australia coach Robbie Deans believes that this summer's clashes with the British and Irish Lions will be "the ultimate rugby experience".

Deans has also admitted that the Six Nations clash between Wales and England provided an "insight" into what Australia should expect this summer.

"That was such a convincing result at 30-3 and clearly from our perspective it was an insight into what's coming, the nature of the game, the intensity, the pace of it," Deans told reporters at a press conference.

"We look at that as the benchmark. It was brutal and it was relentless for 80 minutes. It was a complete performance. I have no idea where that [red slabs of meat comment] came from. We have a lot of respect for what's coming.

"It will be a fantastic series. The last occasion the Lions were here was in 2001. That was gladiator like and you look at how the body types have changed since then. This one is going to be remarkable. This is the ultimate rugby experience."

Lions open the tour on June 1.