"He is a brilliant player" - Ali Price keen to face Faf de Klerk

Ali Price is excited by the challenge of potentially facing Faf de Klerk in the upcoming Test series.

"He is a brilliant player," said Price.

"I would describe him as very busy. He’s a very busy, competitive player on the field and both sides of the ball.

"If you look back over the last couple of years, he has led the way in terms of nines not being the biggest guys on the field, but his physicality and influence in defence he has been brilliant.

"You saw that again on Wednesday [in South Africa 'A' v Lions]. He plays close to the line. If given the opportunity it is always great to go out there and test and challenge yourself against the best in your position."

Price admitted that he never gave up hope on a Test spot even when positional rival Conor Murray was handed the tour captaincy.

"Everyone in their position groups are quality players so I think whether you are given the captaincy or not you know it is going to be a battle for the starting shirt and to be in the Test team," he said.

"If someone is captain, Conor [Murray] has a huge amount of experience and has been on a few tours now and he is great man to take over from Al.

"I don't know if it has any effect or value come this part of the tour, but everyone is a quality player so you just have to go out there and play the best you can."