This morning I had the pleasure of the company of Leinster and Springboks prop CJ van der Linde. A gentle giant in the flesh although I wouldn't want to pack down against the 6ft 2in/19st prop.

The 28-year-old has already surpassed the 50-cap milestone and has a Rugby World Cup winners medal after memorably rising to the challenge of England's in-form Andrew Sheridan in the final of the sport's last global showpiece.

If he re-gains his fitness he is sure to feature in the Springboks' plans - even though he is currently contracted overseas with Irish province Leinster such is his status amongst those who specialise in the dark arts of the front row.

But fitness has been hard to come by for Van der Linde this year and he was on the sidelines for much of a glorious season for Leinster that ended with Heineken Cup glory. Going under the knife always has an element of risk and the odds are only 60-40 in favour of the ligament in his toe being re-attached successfully.

It seems strange that such an ailment could derail the career of such a giant of the game. Good luck CJ.

From a former Cheetahs star, as Van der Linde was, to today's leading lights.

While the Lions did their best to meet the demands of the mass media in their hotel, I encountered some of their opponents gong about their business quite anonymously in town. Wing/centre JW Jonker, prop Wiaan du Preez and lock Nico Breedt were happy to chat on Bloem's waterfront and promised they would offer the Lions a much sterner test than the Golden Lions had done in mid-week.

They were as disappointed with the Golden Lions' showing as I was and promised to re-store some pride. I asked them if they fancied their chances going into the clash to which Breedt replied - 'Do you fancy your chances?'

Cue nervous laughter on my part. JW, who is keen to secure a move to Europe, assured me they know how to handle the Lions and likened their approach to that of the Crusaders and the Sharks - both of who they accounted for in an otherwise disappointing Super 14 campaign.

I admired their confidence but they remain huge underdogs going into the clash.