TADHG BEIRNE could not disguise his frustration after leading the Lions to an underwhelming victory over Waratahs.
Scotland centre Huw Jones crossed twice as the tourists were forced to battle hard in grinding past a second-string Tahs side in Sydney.
But it was less than convincing against a side — missing a slew of Australia players — that had lost five of their last six Super Rugby games.
Ireland lock Beirne was switched to blindside flanker after England’s Henry Pollock was pulled from the XV with a tight calf. Scott Cummings came into the second row.
And Lions skipper Beirne said: “A lot of dropped balls, a lot of turnovers, the ball was a bit slippery out there.
“It was a bit frustrating in terms of not being very clinical.
“That cohesiveness we’re looking for wasn’t probably there, so that’s the most frustrating part.
“We probably lacked physicality. That’s something we’re going to have to look at.”
After scoring 16 tries and 106 points in their opening two games, the Lions lacked invention and physical presence, missing rested playmaker Finn Russell and regular skipper Maro Itoje.
They took a 14-5 lead into the break, but it was a mediocre first half, with too many mistakes and poor decision-making.
Waratahs captain Hugh Sinclair said: “The game was scrappy. The Lions would be disappointed by that but we showed they’re beatable.
“They’re 15 blokes on a field, put some pressure on and things can happen.”
