"It was a poor game of rugby, a frustrating afternoon, and I am sure that the players are disappointed," Henry said.

"We didn’t show the skill levels that we should have done, and it was very patchy and messy around the ruck and maul."

Skipper David Young, one of the Lions’ try-scorers, added: "We were getting frustrated, and were asking for reasons why we were being penalised.

"We only kept the ball for two or three phases at a time without giving a penalty away."

Only number eight Martin Corry and centre Scott Gibbs made any realistic claim for a place in next Saturday’s Test team to play Australia in Brisbane.

Corry, who has been a revelation since arriving as a replacement from England’s tour of Canada, deservedly took man-of-the-match honours.

Gibbs, meanwhile, marked his first appearance Down Under by scoring a try and proving his usual dynamic self in midfield.

"Scott had a big game. His attitude has been outstanding - he was pumped up when he came off the aircraft, and he has been ever since," Henry added.

"One or two players have put their hands up today, and we will finalise the Test selection later.

"We wanted a lot of continuity in this game, but it didn’t happen. Some of it was self inflicted, but we should give a great level of credit to New South Wales Country - they are a good side and they played well."