Biggest game of their lives

GET SET for a rare treat in modern international rugby — a three-test series. The question on everyone’s lips, however, is how competitive will it be and for how long?

That will be answered today as the uncertainties surrounding the quality, form and organisation of South Africa and the British and Irish Lions will be tested to the full.

Despite the fact that the Lions arrive at this point unbeaten and appear very much a united force, there is a feeling they will not have experienced anything like the examination that will be asked of them today. From the outset, Ian McGeechan made it clear both in word and deed that everyone in the squad would be presented with the opportunity of fighting for a test. No player can complain on that front.