Lions reaction:Ian McGeechan has praised the composure shown by the Lions in the face of the fierce test presented by the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this afternoon. A bruising 12-point victory came at a cost as both prop Euan Murray and outhalf James Hook had to leave the field.

Murray has undergone an ankle x-ray, which has revealed no fracture, while Hook suffered a knock to the head and will undergo further assessment.

There were slight flashpoints after the match too, with two Irishmen aggrieved by the homeside’s tactics. Ronan O’Gara and fellow outhalf Jaco van der Westhuyzen were involved in a pushing match and centre Gordon D’Arcy appeared to refuse to shake hands with his opposite number De Wet Barry.

Barry had been a midfield terminator for the Southern Kings, especially during a ferocious first half scarred by several late tackles from a number of players.

“There were some questionable tackles, but that’s the way it is,” D’Arcy said afterwards. “De Wet Barry is a good, physical, strong player. He’s one of those guys who likes to get in amongst it.

“I shook his hand, but I didn’t want to have a chat with him.”

The Lions though held their nerve, building from a 3-3 interval scoreline to triumph 20-8 courtesy of an Ugo Monye try, a penalty try and 10 points from substitute O’Gara.

It means they go into Saturday’s first Test against world champions South Africa with a six-from-six unbeaten tour record.

“They (Southern Kings) wanted to make a game of it,” said McGeechan. “It was pretty full on, and we had to keep enough composure to win the game, which was the very pleasing aspect of it.

“A penalty try proved technically that we kept our heads. We kept doing damage where it hurt them most.

“The players have swapped jerseys, and we move on. We’ve come out with a win - our composure was very important.

“I am really proud of the discipline we showed - it showed the players’ focus - and they got their just reward.”

McGeechan’s focus now turns to the Test in Durban. He is due to announce his line-up on Thursday.

“We might have an initial chat tonight, but tomorrow we will go through every position and have a discussion,” he added. “There are close calls in a number of areas.”

Skipper on the day Donncha O’Callaghan added: “We were disappointed with the try we conceded at the end, to be honest.

“It was a hugely physical game, but there was no ill-feeling. Things go on in a game, and straight away after a game it’s harder to forget about a few slaps in the face.

“At times, we gave away a few silly penalties, but the guys were very composed with an awful lot of stuff going on off the ball.”

Southern Kings coach Alan Solomons was pleased his side had given the Lions an undoubtedly punishing physical examination, although Van der Westhuyzen and lock Ross Skeate were yellow-carded.

“I had been a little bit worried up front,” said Solomons. “They picked a very big pack, but it worked to our advantage, because they struggled at the breakdown.

“We know they are a very physical side - they’ve made their intent known to try and beat South Africa physically. I felt we competed well throughout.

“We were certainly determined not to give them an easy ride physically. We didn’t want to disappoint them.”

Solomons, the former Ulster and Northampton coach, believes the Lions must beat South Africa in Durban on Saturday - or struggle to stay in the three-match Test series.

He added: “They simply have to win the first Test. If they don’t, they will make a rod for their own backs with two games on the High Veld.

“Yes, one or two late hits occurred today, but the Lions are hardly angels, I would say. I don’t think there was anything untoward.

“I believe the Test match on Saturday is going to be a massive physical contest.

“If the Lions lose, they’ve got a very difficult road ahead. It’s a massive Test match with a huge amount at stake.”