It was Van der Merwe – who has shone in the Heineken Champions Cup over recent seasons – who won man of the match whilst Adams can now claim eight tries in his first three Tour matches.

The Sharks offered little in resistance, with a slick offloading move that found James Venter providing their sole try of the evening.

Connacht Rugby centre Bundee Aki and Gloucester Rugby wing Louis Rees-Zammit - who proved to be a makeshift fly-half on the night – were the others to cross the whitewash for the touring side who never looked in any danger of squandering their lead.

Munster Rugby scrum-half Conor Murray, the captain who was meant to have started the game on the bench, was one of nine players who was withdrawn from the match-day squad to isolate after one player and a member of the Lions management team tested positive for COVID-19.

Cardiff Rugby wing Josh Adams and Edinburgh Rugby wing Duhan van der Merwe both scored hat-tricks as the British and Irish Lions eased to a 54-7 win over Cell C Sharks in Johannesburg.