Will this week's Lions squad announcement throw up a 'bolter'? Will the elite tourists offer a relatively unknown player, untested on the international stage, the chance to make a name for himself on one of the biggest stages in the sport?

In today's professional environment it is increasingly difficult for a player to go under the radar but the romantic notion of someone emerging as a world-class talent in the famous red jersey when their own country have yet to tap into their potential remains a fascinating prospect.

England's Will Greenwood was the last uncapped player chosen by the Lions when he was selected for the 1997 tour to South Africa and it appears he may hold onto that accolade for another four years at least. Former England centre Jeremy Guscott was another to emerge on Lions duty when he toured Australia in 1989 with just one previous cap to his name.

McGeechan was the coach on both those occasions but will he take such a gamble this time around? Unlikely. And those fringe players hoping for the nod will not have been heartened by these recent words from tour manager Gerald Davies.

"We have had an open mind on players who didn't make their countries' Six Nations squads," he said, "but I can't imagine we will be going outside of those squads. It is fair to assume that the Lions will come from the Six Nations squads."

But that hasn't stopped the speculation.

England's Ben Foden was an early name thrown into the mix after some stand out performances for Northampton but he failed to grab his chance when drafted into the elite squad for the Six Nations. The versatile 23-year-old was shaping up as a key weapon on the hard ground of the high veldt - but not anymore.

England hooker Dylan Hartley is another potential surprise selection. Although his playing time was also limited he may benefit from a real stand-out candidate amongst the hookers in this year's Six Nations.

Scotland speedster Thom Evans caught the eye in the Six Nations and he too may be boarding the plane to South Africa with just a handful of caps to his name.

Wales livewire Leigh Halfpenny is another who could be adding the Lions to his burgeoning CV despite only having made his international debut in the autumn. The 20-year-old's timely display in Cardiff Blues' Anglo-Welsh Cup romp against Gloucester at Twickenham many see him joining his regional team mates Martyn Williams and Jamie Roberts in South Africa this summer.

And what about Munster's Keith Earls? Another player who would relish the hard ground, he only has two caps to his name but his versatility is a huge plus.

All of these players offer plenty of untapped potential and their relative low-profiles would have the Springboks scurrying to check out YouTube.

It may well be that the omission of some big names will overshadow the chance offered to any bolter with the likes of Wales skipper Ryan Jones and his England counterpart Steve Borthwick reportedly struggling for support amongst the Lions coaching team.

One thing for sure is that there are some shocks in store - one way or another - on Tuesday.