Springbok winger Bryan Habana has been given the all clear to play his part in South Africa's remaining Tri Nations fixtures, as well as the Test against Argentina in Johannesburg on August 9.

Former Springbok coach Jake White has criticised the non-selection of full back Percy Montgomery for last Saturday's defeat against Australia in Perth.

Former Ireland coach Eddie O'Sullivan has backed Brian O'Driscoll to retain the Lions captaincy when Ian McGeechan's squad travel to South Africa in just over 10 months' time.

Both the Springbok head coach and stand-in skipper were upbeat about the remainder of the Tri Nations despite the 16-9 reverse at the hands of Australia last Saturday.

Lions supporters caring to take a look at the current make up of the Currie Cup table will be in no doubt as to the size of the challenge facing the Lions on their 10-game tour of South Africa in less than a year's time.