Originally named in the starting squad, a stomach bug has laid low the world player of the year this week so he will now be riding pine with England wing Ugo Monye drafted in as cover.
The Lions said the Ospreys winger was suffering from ‘a minor tummy bug’ on Monday, but yesterday revealed he’d recovered sufficiently to make the trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth in time to figure – albeit in a revised role from the bench.
Ian McGeecahn’s tourists are seeking their sixth successive tour victory after beating the Royal XV, Golden Lions, Cheetahs, Sharks and Western Province.
Head coach McGeechan will consider his Test line-up will announce it on Thursday, with Monye and Ireland Grand Slam winner Tommy Bowe favourites for the wing positions.