Rugby-Lions coaches close to finalising team for first test after 'robust' debate

FILE PHOTO: Rugby Union - Stormers v British and Irish Lions - Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa - July 17, 2021 British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland wearing a face mask before the match REUTERS/Mike Hutchings

CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - The British and Irish Lions coaching staff held a "robust" selection meeting on Sunday, but defence coach Steve Tandy says there are just a few decisions still to be made ahead of the first test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

With only flyhalf Finn Russell set to miss the series opener due to injury, head coach Warren Gatland has a near full-strength squad to choose from and Tandy admitted there was fierce debate in a meeting that lasted more than an hour-and-a-half.