This was the most lethargic performance of the tour. There were some mitigating circumstances - I understand that the players were quite upset about the sad circumstances surrounding the death of Anton Toia. But also, the roles have become more defined now in that the Test side has essentially been decided upon and the midweek sides are scrapping it out for bench places.

For instance, now that Martin Johnson and Danny Grewcock have established themselves as the choice locks, the likes of Scott Murray, Mal O'Kelly and Jeremy (Davidson) have had to limit their horizons to a bench place. Some players may even have conceded that that much is beyond them.

The buoyancy and urgency that was so evident in the first two games is not such a factor now. Also, there have been persistent reports of over-training on the part of the Lions, and if this is true, then it could have attributed significantly to the less-than-polished outings we have witnessed over the past week.

This just wasn't a good match, and when you consider the fact the NSW Country are amateurs, it reflects poorly on the Lions side. They met the basic requirement right in that they won the match, and I do believe that it is important that the midweek sides maintain a consistent winning streak. But it was hardly emphatic enough to raise the morale or anything.

Few players distinguished themselves. Scott Gibbs announced his arrival with a typically bustling and purposeful display and he will keep the midfield pairing on their toes. I think Scott felt he had a point to prove in originally being over-looked, and he did well.

Colin Charvis was the pick of a overwhelmingly lacklustre pack. Gordon Bulloch's throwing was less erratic than we have been subjected to on previous outings. Still, overall, it was disheartening.

Again, Neil Jenkins compounded a lack of quality ball with another ordinary game, and our handling was once more appalling. I think that if we play with a similar lack of quality against ACT, then we will struggle badly.

I could not see the sense of selecting Iain Balshaw. He will be our Test full back and I feel that selecting him for this game, against pedestrian opposition, translated as an implicit suggestion that the selectors wanted to see more from him.

I think Balshaw feels a little under pressure to do more, to be more explosive, but often in games like this the opportunity never comes, there is little more to do than sweep up and clear to touch.

And I am inclined to have faith in Balshaw, I do believe he will come good in the Test. But I'm not sure that playing him yesterday was the right method of enhancing his confidence.

The first Test looms now, and the fact that Australia's team is still under wraps is a worry. We have yet to see at least eight of their probable starters, whereas the Lions have been in full view for weeks now. We have nothing to hide.