British and Irish Lions

Botha's car overturned on the N1 highway in the early hours of Wednesday morning and he was killed on impact.

The 26-year-old, who came within a whisker of breaking Carel du Plessis' 18-year record for the most Currie Cup tries in a season, played 83 matches for the Blue Bulls and was vice-captain for two of their three consecutive Currie Cup victories.

He also played 30 times for the Bulls Super 12 side and was one of the senior members of the squad, narrowly missing out on Springbok honours last year.

Qantas Wallabies head coach Robbie Deans says Quade Cooper could still line up against the Lions despite missing out on his 25-man squad this morning.

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.