Jamie George insists the British and Irish Lions have been brought closer together by the repeated disruptions they faced during a week of upheaval.
The Lions relocate to Cape Town on Sunday but attack coach Gregor Townsend, three members of staff and an unnamed player must continue isolating in Johannesburg until Wednesday, when they will rejoin the main touring party.
Even at the end of a week of Covid-inflicted chaos there were fresh challenges to confront as Maro Itoje and Finn Russell were forced to withdraw from the 23 picked for the Sharks because of a stomach bug and an Achilles problem respectively.
"Of course it's ideal preparation. You're playing against South African teams. We've scored a lot of points and our attack is in really good shape at the moment," George said.
"We know there will be a step up intensity, there always is when you play the world champions at their home ground, but at the same time the teams we've played against have impressed as well in terms of their emotion, physicality and intensity.
"We got a good hit out and everything is on course for the step up in intensity for when it comes to South Africa."
George was among the Lions' star performers and he crowned his performance with two tries, atoning for his knock-on that denied a certain score on Wednesday night.
"These two tries are massive for me. I haven't heard the end of it and my mates at home have given me some stick as well. So hopefully that can put a silence to all that!" he said.
