Lions stars set to be given life-changing team news within 24 hours with “bitter disappointment” for those who miss out

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.

Warren Gatland has all but picked his Lions 23 to take on the world championsGetty Images – Getty

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 added: “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.”