Tommy Bowe insisted the British and Irish Lions have the character and quality to make history in South Africa by rebounding from Saturday's first Test defeat to win the series.
The 1989 Lions came from 1-0 down to beat Australia but in over a century of touring South Africa they have never managed the feat against the Springboks.
To make matters worse for the Lions the next two Tests will be played at altitude, with this weekend's clash set for the fierce and unforgiving environment of Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld.
But Bowe is convinced the Lions' second-half fightback at the weekend proved they have enough in their armour to beat the world champions.
The Lions took a pounding in the forwards for 50 minutes but they rallied from 26-7 down to get within five points of the Springboks and could easily have won the game.
Bowe said: ‘There is a hell of a character within the squad and the bond between the players is something else. It is going to be tough next week but we know they are there for the taking.
‘We know we are good enough. On Saturday we didn't, we left a mountain to climb but we still came back and were very close.
‘We know we made a lot of mistakes, we gave them too many points and we had a mountain to climb but then again we still showed we could definitely come back and could have won it.
‘Yes, we have an even bigger mountain to climb next weekend and the week after but it's still definitely do-able. For everyone now it is just a case of wanting to get back out on the pitch and make amends.’
Before the Lions can turn their full attention to the second Test, they face the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town tomorrow night.
Head coach Ian McGeechan is likely to reveal his side today and it could well feature Ireland prop John Hayes, who arrived in South Africa this week as a late replacement for the injured Euan Murray.
The Lions may also need to press Tim Payne into immediate action at loose-head after he was called up as cover for Andrew Sheridan who is struggling to overcome a back injury.
The only other props on tour are Gethin Jenkins, Phil Vickery and Adam Jones who were all involved in the first Test.
McGeechan said: ‘Tim Payne has been called up to provide essential cover for the front row. We simply can't go into this week without sufficient cover at loose-head prop as we play the Emerging Springboks and the Springboks in the space of five days.
‘Tim Payne will arrive match fit having played in all three of England's recent international matches against the Barbarians and Argentina. We are still hopeful that Andrew Sheridan will respond to the medical regime he is currently undergoing.’
