British and Irish Lions

Speaking after his team's return from their tour of England and Ireland, Springbok manager Zola Yeye revealed the matches, which will be played after the Tri Nations tournament.

"After those Test matches, we will be in a position to select our best 30 players for the World Cup tournament," said Yeye.

South Africa have a crowded international calendar for 2007 that includes a two-Test home series against England, and a Test against Samoa.

They will then face Australia and New Zealand in the Tri Nations Series before their clashes against the Scots and Portuguese.

Yeye admitted that while their recent tour of Europe could not be considered a success, with two losses in three Tests, it had served its purpose.

"We took boys on tour and they returned as men," he said.
"Rugby is a game of ups and downs. You win some and you lose some.

"The victory over England gave the team its dignity back. The tour was a road map towards the World Cup tournament."

The Waratahs upset the odds by beating Super Rugby leaders the Brumbies 28-22, but the game came at a huge cost to Qantas Wallabies coach Robbie Deans.

Lions skipper Sam Warburton says the lessons he and his Welsh colleagues learnt in Australia last summer will stand them in good stead for their return visit with Britain and Ireland's elite next month.

Tom Youngs has enjoyed a remarkable rise to the top of the British & Irish game but he won't be resting on his laurels ahead of his first Lions adventure.