Beirne was named Heineken Star of the Match in Munster’s win over Harlequins in the Heineken Champions Cup last season, while Watson has scored 13 tries in 41 European appearances.

Saracens hooker Jamie George also grabbed a brace as the Lions ran in 11 tries against a Sharks side who offered stubborn resistance until a red card in the 45th minute saw them reduced to 14 men.

Gloucester Rugby centre Chris Harris had put the Lions ahead after only four minutes, but Sharks hit back with two quickfire tries to take the lead.

George then levelled the scores with his first try, but Sharks hit the front again on 24 minutes after a pass from Scarlets scrum-half Gareth Davies was intercepted.

Lions were quick to respond again, though, as Edinburgh Rugby wing Duhan van der Merwe went over in the corner, only for another error to hand Sharks their fourth first-half try.

Beirne’s first try brought the scores back to 26-26 at the interval, before Jaden Hendrikse was sent off for an elbow on Scarlets back Liam Williams, allowing the Lions to take control.

Leinster Rugby No.8 Jack Conan and Saracens back Elliot Daly both went over early in the second half, but Sharks showed great character to notch their fifth try despite their numerical disadvantage.

However, George and Beirne grabbed their second tries of the game in addition to Watson’s brace, with Sale Sharks flanker Tom Curry also crossing the whitewash as the Lions eventually eased to victory.

Northampton Saints fly-half Dan Biggar slotted eight conversions to complete the scoring.

Munster Rugby flanker Tadhg Beirne and Bath Rugby back Anthony Watson both scored twice as the British and Irish Lions thumped Sharks 71-31 in Pretoria.