THE British and Irish Lions have ruled James Hook and Euan Murray out of their selection plans for Saturday’s first Test against world champions South Africa.

Both players suffered injuries during a bruising 20-8 victory over the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

Fly-half Hook was on the receiving end of a high tackle which left him nursing a bang to his neck and head.

Prop Murray went off with a sprained ankle and although an x-ray has revealed no fracture, he will not be considered for the Test team.

Hook was the more likely contender for the Test 22, as he had been widely expected to provide midfield cover following an impressive tour.

Lions’ assistant coach Rob Howley said: ‘‘Neither player will be available for selection for the first Test.

‘‘It is an ongoing assessment with both players.’’ Lions’ head coach Ian McGeechan is due to announce his Test side today.

Although Tuesday’s match was an often brutal affair, the match citing commissioner has opted to take no further action against any players.

As part of the Lions’ tour agreement in South Africa, he had a 12-hour window to make a citing but has decided not to go down that route.