Lions target five-in-a-row

England prop Phil Vickery captained the British and Irish Lions as they targeted a fifth successive South Africa tour victory.

The Lions arrived at Newlands, scene of their first Test victory over the Springboks 12 years ago, eager to preserve an impressive 100% record.

With head coach Ian McGeechan insisting that Test places are still up for grabs - the Lions face South Africa in an eagerly-awaited series opener next Saturday - stakes were high.

Among those players looking to keep themselves firmly in McGeechan’s selection thoughts were Vickery, wings Tommy Bowe and Ugo Monye, fly-half Stephen Jones and lock Nathan Hines.

But Western Province, who fielded four Springboks under number eight Luke Watson’s leadership, threatened to provide the Lions’ toughest opposition since they arrived on tour 20 days ago.

The Lions lost Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair from their bench due to a foot injury, so Wales wing Shane Williams provided number nine cover as rain and mist swept in over Table Mountain.