British and Irish Lions coach Ian McGeechan would have hoped for some positive news overnight, as he starts to ponder his combination for the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa.

The Lions preserved their 100 percent tour record with a combative 20-8 win over the Southern Kings in a spiteful encounter in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

But the win at the purpose-built Nelson Mandela Bay stadium came at a price.

Prop Euan Murray limped off early on Tuesday with a sprained ankle, although McGeechan was happy to report that X-rays showed no fracture.

Also an injury concern for the coach is flyhalf James Hook, who took a blow to the head after an encounter in which the Lions felt they were the targets of "cheap shots" by the Kings.

McGeechan and his fellow tour selectors will get together on Wednesday to start discussing the team to tackle the Springboks in the opening Test in Durban on Saturday.

The wily Lions mentor insists that all players are still in the running, but most pundits feel the team largely selects itself.

McGeechan, who announces the Test XV on Thursday, said every position "will be discussed" in detail on Wednesday before a final call is made.

In the meanwhile he will hope that Murray and Hook are cleared of their injuries.

365

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