The Lions have a back-row problem ahead of tomorrow's tour opener against a Royal XV in Rustenburg. Andy Powell, who is due to start at No8, and Stephen Ferris, who was named on the bench, will have fitness tests after picking up knocks in training this week.

Powell took a knock on his right hand and did not train today. It was bandaged yesterday when he told reporters that he had suffered an insect bite in an attempt to throw them off the scent.

Ferris sustained a calf strain on Wednesday and is regarded as the more doubtful of the pair. "We hope they both come through but we have made contingency plans if they do not," said the forwards coach, Graham Rowntree.

"After two weeks of hard training, everyone is desperate for the tour to start. We know that there is a trap waiting for us in Rustenburg if we do not handle things properly. This will be the biggest game of their lives and they will be fired up.

"It is vital that we start the tour well. I have been hugely impressed with Paul O'Connell. As a captain, he reminds me of Martin Johnson: he does not say too much, but when he does speak it is worth listening."

The Wales flanker, Martyn Williams, is on his third, and last, Lions tour. "I never thought I would be here after retiring from international rugby for a while a couple of years ago," he said. "I am delighted to be starting the first game and feel for the guys who have to wait until next week."

The Lions left Johannesburg for Rustenburg yesterday and are based at a lodge near a game reserve just outside the town. "This is the real South Africa," added Williams. "We will have a couple of days here to remember for the rest of our lives, but we know a warm welcome awaits us on Saturday afternoon and we will be ready."