And even though the scrum-half will travel to South America with the rest of the squad, the clock is ticking as his involvement still hangs in the balance.

“It has been a frustrating time,” he said. “It has been nearly four weeks now and I didn't think it would be lingering on this long.

“I got hit on my knee-cap three or four times against the Scarlets which traumatised the joint. I have since discovered I have a bipartite patella, which is the same condition that Andy Murray has got.

“Maybe I was a bit unlucky to have the defect in the first place, but I've played without any problems and will play in the future without problems.

“I'm working with the medics to get it right and get myself to a stage where I can take part in full training and obviously play a game.

“I'm not quite there yet and so I have to keep working hard, but I'm very grateful that I've been given the opportunity to travel with the squad to Argentina and try and get it right over there.

“I have had discussions with Andy (Robinson] and I know I need to be involved in contact by Monday to have a chance of playing in the first Test, which I am desperate to be involved in.”