LIONS stars are set to be given the life-changing news of whether they have made the Test side to face South Africa by tomorrow.

Warren Gatland's assistant Steve Tandy confirmed that Sunday night's crunch selection meeting had helped pretty much nail down the matchday 23 for Saturday.

With only Finn Russell injured the rest of the squad are available to take on The Springboks in Cape Town.

When asked when the players would be told, defence coach Tandy said: "We will probably confirm things today or tomorrow and then it will be up to Gats to feel when it is appropriate.

"There are going to be massive decisions. There are going to be a lot of unlucky players, but they represent the Lions.

"We had an initial selection process last night, which was a long one in fairness, just covering all bases.

"A lot of people have put their hands up and it is a great place for us as coach to be.

"There will be bitter disappointment, but I believe that within this squad there is such a tight connection that everyone will be geared-up to winning that first Test whether you are in the 23 or not.

"It was a good hour and a half, maybe a bit longer. It was a good initial meeting and we were becoming clearer and clearer as we went along.

"We will confirm it up and Gats will announce it at an appropriate time.

"It was one of the toughest things that I have been invoiced in as so many people have put their hands up in terms of putting their best foot forward."

Tandy continued: "I think it is just confirming.

"It was really robust and at the end of the day the time flew by around selection.

"There are probably one or two things to firm up, but the majority is probably done."

Ireland prop Tadhg Furlong, who won three caps against the All Blacks in 2017, said: "I'm feeling good. . . nervous.

"Everyone is on edge. It means a lot to people and everyone is just waiting to see how it pans out if you are in or out.

"You can feel it, there is that bit of nervousness there.

"You don't know what the coaches are thinking and the rest of the tightheads have played well – it is up in the air. See how we go.

"It's a huge challenge, the lads are up for it."

Tandy also assured fans that Lion King Alun Wyn Jones was ready to go after recovering from a disclosed shoulder in just 20 days.

Big Al is set to win his 10th Lions cap on his fourth tour and Tandy said: "Al historically, he does some pretty special things.

"Coming back for the Autumn and the Six Nations off not a lot of rugby, he is raring to go and he is fit.

"It was only three weeks, but you have seen the training he has been doing, he keeps himself in absolutely great shape so there will be no issues there.

"He has got unbelievable experience, his leadership qualities are outstanding as well.

"He was tour captain at the start and there will be no issues in and around Al.

"You have only got to see him walking around and the energy he brings in training, how is around the environment, he will be fine."

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