O'Gara shocked by Kings' tactics

McGeechan must feel relieved his squad is largely in one piece following a bruising and often brutal appointment with the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. Prop Euan Murray flew to Durban on Tuesday night nursing a sprained ankle, while fly-half James Hook took a blow to the head after an encounter best described by Hook's replacement Ronan O'Gara.

"They were more interested in kicking lumps out of us than scoring or keeping the score down," said the Ireland Grand Slam winner, of an ill-disciplined Southern Kings display.

He added: "The other teams we've faced have been passionate and proud, but these guys fancied themselves to take a scalp.

"But we were prepared for what they threw at us and we controlled things well in the second-half."

O'Gara could easily have put himself into match-day contention for the first Test on Saturday, although most of McGeechan's choices appear straightforward.

There will be debate about Martyn Williams or David Wallace for openside flanker - a left-field choice would be to field them both, with Wallace at blindside - while Ugo Monye looks set for a wing spot after claiming his fourth tour try at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.

McGeechan, who announces the Test XV on Thursday, was quick to hail his team's composure after they saw off a side that had two players yellow-carded.

The Lions though held their nerve, building from a 3-3 interval scoreline to triumph 20-8 courtesy of a Monye try, a penalty try and 10 points from substitute fly-half O'Gara.

"They (Southern Kings) wanted to make a game of it," said McGeechan. "It was pretty full-on, and we had to keep enough composure to win the game, which was the very pleasing aspect of it. I am really proud of the discipline we showed - it showed the players' focus - and they got their just reward."