The Lions believe a number of their players should be considered for the Boks on their Grand Slam tour of Britain and Ireland this November.

Several regulars are to be rested in preparation for next year's World Cup, making the chances of players from the Johannesburg being strong.

And this week John Mitchell named a few players who he though would do the national team proud.

"I think our captain (Franco van der Merwe) is not far away from being a Test footballer," he said.

"I think purely on work-rate and ability in the air and his carries which have improved this year, he should be considered."

Knowing there is no shortage of quality loose forwards in the country, Mitchell also sees Derick Minnie as a candidate for the Green and Gold.

"Derick is an exceptional loose-forward in that he can play all three positions and he's very good on the ground. Jano Vermaak, when fully fit, is an exceptional scrum-half who attacks the advantage line," said Mitchell.

Former Springbok centre Waylon Murray's name was also mentioned by the New Zealand coach.

"Waylon has also demonstrated great improvement in his game, especially in his wide carries and Jaco Taute will also be considered an international over time," added Mitchell.

"Doppies La Grange is very good on the advantage line and his leadership in conjunction with Franco was something we certainly missed last week against the Cheetahs - especially in pressure situations."

Mitchell is, however, still adamant that star fly-half Elton Jantjes should not be exposed to Test rugby.

"I'd love to see Elton wear a Springbok jumper and I think he has the ability to be within reach of a World Cup squad,"said Mitchell.

"But to maximise that opportunity in New Zealand, he's going to need a 15 week conditioning window witch includes four weeks of active rest to try and get the young man to survive five weeks of conditioning.

"Just for the mere fact of putting on a jumper to me doesn't actually assist his development."

Injuries the young fly-half had picked up in his first season at senior level were part of Mitchell's motivation.

"I'm not at all saying that he shouldn't play for South Africa, I'm just being smart about how you manage young men and at the moment he's carrying a few injuries, so ultimately I think we'll see the best of Elton if he goes on the end of year tour in 2011," he said.