Plenty of star talent on show in Lions' pre-series appetiser

A view of the British & Irish Lions captain's run ahead of game with South Africa 'A'. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Whether you believe in this as an unofficial “fourth Test” or not, there is little disputing tonight’s tour match between South Africa A and the British & Irish Lions is both a contest to savour.

The number and quality of world-class players that will be fielded at Cape Town Stadium this evening would grace any Test match and yet it could not be better scheduled as a pre-series appetiser for the main course ahead when the world-champion Springboks clash with the Lions in a three-game rugby banquet starting a week on Saturday.