The players have been training in specialist altitude masks in preparation for Saturday's crucial second Test in Pretoria, which stands around 5,000 feet above sea level.

Edwards rates Loftus Versfeld as the toughest place to play rugby in the world but is convinced the Lions can avenge last weekend's 26-21 defeat against the Springboks.

The Lions struggled with the thin air during their opening tour match against a Royal XV in Rustenburg 25 days ago.

But Edwards said: "We have continued to work with the altitude masks on, and I know we will be in better shape going back to altitude than when we first went there.

"They set the masks at 7,500 feet – which is obviously higher than we will be playing. When you see the pain on the players' faces when they are cycling with the masks it is obviously hurting them a bit.

"Loftus Versfeld at the moment is probably the hardest place to play rugby in the world, because of the altitude – and if anyone saw the Super 14 final it would give you reason to think that.

"It all adds to the challenge facing us on Saturday. I am as determined as can be to make sure that last week in Johannesburg is a week of great excitement and great tension building up to what we hope is going to be the deciding Test."

Nathan Hines has received a one-week ban that will rule him out of contention for the second Test against South Africa in Pretoria.

The Scotland forward was cited for a dangerous tackle on Emerging Springboks' lock Wilhelm Steenkamp during Tuesday night's 13-13 drawn tour game at Newlands.

Hines was represented by Richard Smith QC, while Lions manager Gerald Davies and head coach Ian McGeechan were also present at a hearing in Cape Town yesterday.

Hines, who will be available for the third Test in Johannesburg a week later, now has 24 hours to appeal against yesterday's decision.

Hines was thought to have an outside chance of being on the bench this Saturday, as the Lions look to fight back and level the series following a 26-21 defeat in Durban last weekend.