“I know from an All Blacks perspective, it was we’ve got a 30-man squad of world-class players, who’s playing their best? I think that’s where the British and Irish Lions’ strength will come in this series.”

Some of Australia’s depth was on show in the Queensland Reds 52-12 defeat to the Lions on Wednesday night, with Wallabies hopefuls Hunter Paisami, Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and Josh Canham impressing.

Williams believed the Wallabies would need to match “fire with fire” against their juggernaut rivals, but was adamant they had enough strike power to keep the Lions on edge.

Schmidt is yet to settle on his squad for the series, with Wednesday’s Reds clash and forthcoming contests against the Lions for the Waratahs, Brumbies and Australia-New Zealand Invitational XV all to come before the first Test.

But Williams felt some members of the backline picked themselves given the X-factor they brought – naming Paisami and Len Ikitau as his preferred centres, with Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii and Corey Toole his ideal wingers.

Ikitau’s flick pass to clinch an Australian triumph against England on last year’s Spring Tour epitomised the instinct he played with, while Suaalii and Toole bring aerial threats and speed.

Paisami, meanwhile, has blossomed into a three-pronged star of the Reds, adding a deft passing game and short kicking arsenal to complement his powerful ball-running.

“We got a good taste of them. For me, I just wanted to go out and enjoy it with a smile,” Paisami said, who will rejoin the Wallabies’ squad in Newcastle for Sunday’s clash with Fiji.

“I know Joe will be asking questions of what it was like, and where I felt the pressure from. I have to do my homework and watch the game, so when those questions come I know how to answer them.

“Joe hasn’t really given me much because I was only in camp for a few days, but I think he just wants me to be myself and try and bring that same energy with the Reds into camp.”

As a unit, Williams believe all that quartet would need was possession to wreak havoc.

“Big games like this, obviously you need to play all styles of game. The best teams are the ones that can see what’s happening and change the momentum in a catch,” Williams said.

“I think when it comes to this series, the British and Irish Lions can play all styles. The Aussie teams, what are they great at?

“The driving maul will be a big part of the game, the set piece they’ll be looking just to hold the fort, but I think they need to liven up those outside backs and give them good ball.

“Ikitau, Hunter, and I would like to see Suaalii on one of the flanks or Toole – fire with fire.”