Mafura arrived in Dublin during the team’s training session on Tuesday and has been unable to have a run with the boys yet.

He was scheduled to start against Connacht in Galway, however, due to visa issues, he didn’t board the flight abroad.

Mafura told OFM Sport that at this stage he is not sure if he will make his debut this week.

“It has been very frustrating, but there was nothing that I could do about it because it was out of my control.

“I’m just glad that I’m finally over here with the team not.

“Unfortunately I only arrived here as the team training finished, so I didn’t get a run with the boys.

“At this stage, I don’t know if I am playing. We still have one more training session on Thursday, and then the team will be announced.

“I am just looking forward to playing if I do get the opportunity, but for now I am just grateful to be here.”

If Mafura does get a run, I will be either starting at fullback at the expense of Louis Fouché, or it will be off the bench as cover for the latter.

Franco Smith has played with both Tian Meyer and Rudy Paige on the bench in the previous two games, and as they are both halfbacks, he may opt to field a specialist outside back for the game.

Franco Smith will be announcing his side for the game against the champions on Thursday afternoon, and Friday evening’s game at the RDS Arena kicks off at 21:35.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport