The Cardiff Blues wing is one of nine Welsh starters as the Lions prepare for their tour opener. He is joined by Jamie Roberts, Jonathan Davies and Mike Phillips in the backs while there is an all Welsh back row of Dan Lydiate, Justin Tipuric and Toby Faletau.
Richard Hibbard and Adam Jones also start in the forwards as Wales dominate Warren Gatland’s first line-up.
And with Paul James, James Hook and Duncan Jones featuring for Dai Young’s Barbarians, there could be a number of direct Welsh matchups in the sweltering Hong Kong heat.
Cuthbert and Scotland’s Sean Maitland start on the wings but with Tommy Bowe and George North in reserve, the 23-year-old Cuthbert says he is thriving on the competition within the 37-man squad.
“All of the wingers are playing well. That’s only going to make each of us better, it’s what you want within a squad,” he said.
“They’re all quality players and that’s why they’re here. They’re the best players in their positions for their countries and you can see that when they train.
“There are no mistakes, it’s 110 per cent and the intensity is high. That’s what you want to take Down Under.”
Saturday’s clash with the Barbarians will see the 2013 Lions in competitive action for the first time before they move on to Australia and a meeting with Western Force next Wednesday.
The first Test match against the Wallabies takes place at Brisbane’s Suncorp Stadium later next month and while not looking past the first game, Cuthbert says only a series win would represent a success.
“We’re here to do a job and we’re here to win. We want to be as competitive as possible and gel as a team as quickly as possible,” he added.
“Four years ago I’d never have expected to be in this position. I’ve got to take it all in and do the best I can.
“I know I’ve got things to work on and obviously I’ve got to make my weaknesses stronger.
“But I’ve always backed myself and hopefully I can take my chance.”
