THE Lions management quartet have had a change of heart about revealing the team to play South Africa in the first Test at Newlands on Saturday. They have decided that the side will be announced early this afternoon. Earlier in the week, manager Fran Cotton had said that they might wait until Saturday morning before making an announcement.

The players have been told what the team and replacement panel will be, but have been asked not to release it. "We have asked them not to release the team. We have no reason to believe that they will not honour that," said Cotton.

That may be an admirable design; it remains to been seen whether players and press will live up to that expectation.

There is no doubt that the team will not alter substantially from the side that defeated Natal - perhaps in about four places Matthew Dawson is the favourite to take the scrum-half berth, now that Robert Howley has been sent home. Jeremy Davidson was an original choice against Natal but was ruled out by a slight hamstring. He and Simon Shaw were the candidates to partner team captain Martin Johnson in the second row. I will not be surprised if Davidson is named in the side today. Keith Wood and Eric Miller, of course, were hooker and number eight for that match.

Also, so well has Paul Wallace played at tight head, that he must certainly have come into strong contention and it could be that Ireland will get all four of their representatives into the Test team. I will be disappointed if there were not at least three.

"It took us over two hours to select the side," said Cotton. "There are some very disappointed players, and understandably so. Several players who have not got into the team have played very well.

"The players were informed at 8.0 a. m. this morning," said Cotton last night. "They all got a letter under their doors telling them the team. We felt we would rather do it that way than call 35 players into a room and announce the side in such a manner.

"We have a few players under treatment and want to be absolutely sure they are all fit before we make an announcement," said Cotton.

One player who did not train yesterday was Eric Miller, a front line candidate for the number eight position. He was confined to bed on the instructions of team doctor James Robson, as he is suffering from a slight bout of influenza.

He will be examined again this morning. Miller was not feeling too well on Tuesday, but felt he had shaken off the chill. But it was decided that he would not train yesterday.

As the pressure and preparation built up towards the Test, the Lions yesterday had what they termed an "away" day, and went to Stellenbosch University to train. It was a closed session away from prying eyes.

The South African coach, Carel du Plessis, said yesterday that neither he nor the Springboks team were particularly concerned when the Lions would announce a side. It is a matter for the Lions. We have analysed their players. Maybe it is that they are very sure about their team, or maybe it is that they are unsure. It will not be a factor in our preparations."

Du Plessis was speaking yesterday afternoon following a training session at which it was confirmed that wing James Small will play. He had been rated doubtful because of a hamstring injury. He said that he would give himself until yesterday to make a decision.

"People have been saying that they are surprised at the way the Lions have played, but I am not surprised. They have the best players from four nations in their squad." He did say that he thought Howley was a "great loss" to the Lions. "He is a player of real quality in a key position."

Du Plessis, who only recently took over as Springboks coach, did admit that he feels under some pressure. "Inevitably, with the level of expectation that surrounds a Sprringboks team, I feel a little nervous.