The British and Irish Lions are sweating on the fitness of one of their potential Test stars only 11 days before tackling world champions South Africa.

IAN McGEECHAN has revealed he is unlikely to give his British and Irish Lions Test team a trial run before their opening showdown against world champions South Africa.

South Africa has released prop Deon Carstens to play for Natal Sharks against the British & Irish Lions on Wednesday at the Absa Stadium in Durban.

The inclusion of uncapped Morne Steyn in the South Africa squad to face the British and Irish Lions in the three-match Test series starting later this month has been welcomed by vice-captain Victor Matfield.

PETER DE VILLIERS yesterday named two uncapped players in the South Africa squad to face the Lions in a three-match Test series to be played in late June and early July.

Peter de Villiers today named two uncapped players in the South Africa squad to face the British and Irish Lions in a three-match Test series to be played in late June and early July.