Lions centre Riki Flutey makes the most of the good surf in Durban © Getty Images

The war of words off the field is set to intensify dramatically ahead of the eagerly-awaited first Test between the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions at Kings Park on Saturday. The hosts set out their stall earlier this week and as expected there were few surprises. Ruan Pienaar retains the No.10 shirt despite an injury-blighted season with coach Peter de Villiers confident he can rediscover his world-class form in the heat of a Test battle.

Elsewhere, Francois Steyn appears to have put his reported differences with Springboks management behind him as he fills the void at fullback. As many of you will recall the 22-year-old possesses a cannon for a boot and is adept at long-range drop goals - a scoring ploy we have seen surprisingly little of so far on tour. The in-form Bulls fly-half Morne Steyn is the only uncapped player in the squad and he must make do with a place on the bench.

The Lions selection meeting will take place today with the Class of 2009 set to find out if they have made the grade when it comes to the Test side. The rest of the world will then find out on Thursday who head coach Ian McGeechan believes has what it takes to topple the world champions. No matter who is selected, the smiles and open door policy we have seen from the Lions so far on tour, mixing with fans etc, is set to give way to a big-match focus.

One point of concern for the Lions is that they have failed to find their best form in their afternoon clashes. The traditionally stronger Saturday side laboured past the Royal XV, edged out the Cheetahs and Western Province before out muscling the Southern Kings but perhaps Ian McGeechan's rotation policy could be held partly responsible for the indifferent performances. Only under the lights against the woeful Golden Lions and the Sharks did the tourists manage to click through the gears.

On Saturday the Lions return to the scene of one of their more impressive showings in that victory over the Sharks where they are assured of a hotter reception than their last visit - although tickets remain available for the clash.