Lions boss Ian McGeechan and his coaching staff were today debating the line-up they hope can keep alive the Test series against world champions South Africa.

Defeat at Loftus Versfeld would leave the Lions counted out one game inside the distance.

They are also one loss away from suffering a record seven successive Test reversals, having not won since beating Australia in Brisbane eight years ago.

Changes are expected following the Springboks’ 26-21 triumph in Durban four days ago, especially up front, where hooker Matthew Rees and prop Adam Jones are tipped for starts as part of an all-Welsh front-row alongside Gethin Jenkins.

Rees and Jones will face the considerable task of trying to tame “The Beast” - Springboks loosehead Tendai Mtawarira, whose demolition job on Phil Vickery built an imposing platform for South Africa’s success.

Corrective surgery is more likely in the pack than behind the scrum, although Fitzgerald and Shane Williams are putting pressure on England speedster Ugo Monye.

Monye’s impressive tour came off the rails slightly in Durban when he squandered two golden try-scoring opportunities.

One was denied by Springboks centre Jean de Villiers getting underneath Monye as he crossed the line, while substitute Morne Steyn dislodged the ball from his hand in pursuit of a second.

McGeechan must decide whether or not Monye deserves another chance, especially with Fitzgerald and Williams both pressing claims during last night’s weather-ruined draw against the Emerging Springboks at Newlands.

“From a personal perspective, I was pretty happy with my performance,” said Ireland Grand Slam winner Fitzgerald, whose father Des played for the Lions against the Rest of the World in Cardiff 23 years ago.

“It was a bit pressurised going into the game. You want to put yourself into contention for a Test spot on the weekend.

“You want to look hungry for work, and you are hungry for work, but it is important you don’t force things in those situations, especially given the weather conditions.

“I feel I’ve done the best I can. It’s up to the coaches now, and to be honest, it is a weight off my shoulders. I don’t have to think about it now - I’ve done the best I can.

“Whatever happens, happens now. You will be disappointed if you don’t get selected, but that’s life.

“I am pretty relaxed about the whole situation. I’m glad I got another opportunity before the Test match to show what I can do, and I feel like I gave a pretty good account of myself.

“I’ve been excited about being here with the Lions, and the only down-side was getting a chest infection during the first few weeks that kept me out of things for a while.

“I felt I had to do a little bit of catching up.”