Parling emerged off the bench as the Lions fought in vain to overturn their deficit against the Brumbies, the tourists eventually going down 14-12 to end their hopes of a whitewash Down Under.

The Leicester Tigers second row, who started all five of England’s Six Nations matches this year, has now made four appearances on tour and is hoping he will play some part in the first Test against the Wallabies in Brisbane.

“We spoke straight after the game and we’ve got to pick ourselves up straight away,” Parling said.

“We can’t mope around. This hurts, it hurts like hell, but you can’t start feeling sorry for yourself. There are some massive games around the corner.

“After you lose any game the thing you want to do most is play again as quickly as possible. I’d love to be involved at the weekend.

“We have a massive game on Saturday and we need to pick ourselves up and get back on the horse. We need to face this and get on with it.

“It’s very frustrating to lose and we certainly know that we’ve got to get better. But there are big games coming and we can’t have our heads down – not just for the games, either, we’ve got to get ourselves back up for the environment and for training and go again.”

The undoubted story of the week was Shane Williams, but it ultimately concluded in an unsurprisingly quiet performance. The Welsh wizard tried his best to roll back the years on early on with that all too known sidestep but in reality, his lack of top level rugby over the last two years was all too telling in what was, an isolated performance. What must not be forgotten here is that Williams was called up purely as cover to play in midweek games like this, and will only be used in the Tests should the injury Gods curse Gatland and his coaching staff from here on in.

Best’s fairy tale could become one of irrelevance

Neutrals and fans felt a sense of justice at the end of May on hearing of Rory Best’s return to the fold in light of Dylan Hartley’s ban. The hooker’s return was a fairy tale; a fairy tale that was to hopefully culminate in the Ulster captain lining out in Brisbane on 22 June. Fast forward three short weeks, and the veteran hooker now looks as far from the Test team as he’s ever been, thanks solely in part to some irregular throwing at the lineout, which has plagued him since the turn of the year. Come the tests, the Lions must not allow the Wallabies to dominate at the lineout and, on current form, Best will do incredibly well between now and the end of the series to force his way back in.

Inexperience in back-up members could prove costly

Despite boasting a squad of 22 that looked both talented and capable on paper this morning, it was a side that regrettably for the coaching staff was utterly dominated in nearly all departments by the committed and determined Brumbies. Gatland’s injury back-ups have rightfully been questioned due to the collective experience of those called up. Such inexperience in key positions such as the halfbacks and midfield was on show for the whole of Australia to see, and should some of these players end up playing a key role in the Tests, the Wallabies will be relishing their chances.

Gatland will pray for no key injuries for the opening two Tests

As mentioned above, an argument can be made regarding the overall depth of this Lions squad – and how many of Gatland’s reserves in key areas are perhaps weaker than on previous tours. With this in mind, the coach will be desperate to avoid any further injuries to his first-choice Test squad come the final whistle this Saturday. Though no Lions coach fancies it, a first Test loss is by no means the end of the world and barring any major injuries, the second Test is always there to salvage the series. But lose next Saturday and lose with injuries added to an ever-growing list, then the task to salvage will become evidently harder.

Feeding the Wallabies poor clearances will be fatal

We’ve seen it all before; that quick-fire counter-attack that’s synonymous with the southern hemisphere. In Canberra, the counter-attacks continued to batter the Lions defence, with no thanks to some weak clearing from hand. However, these kind of attacks can be stemmed and in both Jonathan Sexton and Mike Phillips, Gatland will hope his first-choice half-backs won’t give the Wallabies these avoidable half chances from hand on Saturday.

Brumbies centre Tevita Kuridani scored the game’s only try in the fifth minute before Jesse Mogg added a further three points, with Stuart Hogg landing one successful kick to keep the Lions in touch at half-time.

However, full-back Mogg posted a further six points to leave the hosts 11 points clear and it prompted Gatland to make sweeping changes in a bid to rescue the penultimate game before Saturday’s first Test.

And substitute Owen Farrell kicked two penalties but the Lions came up just short in a 14-12 loss, and Gatland revealed his anguish at a below-par first-half performance from the tourists.

“It’s disappointing,” said Gatland.

“In fairness to the Brumbies, they played really well and put us under pressure at the breakdown. There are no excuses – our first-half performance wasn’t good enough and we got what we deserved.

“We gave them a rollicking and made a few changes, and we were much better [after the interval]. But in the first half, we played too much rugby in our own half. We needed to be a bit smarter.”

Asked whether he could have made changes earlier in the second half, Gatland added: “Well we were having that debate.

“It was about letting the players who were on in the first half work their way through it.

“It was a tough decision. The guys who came off the bench got us back into the match. We got to take it on the chin and focus on Saturday.”

Warren Gatland’s new-look side struggled to compete with the Super 15 leaders and the hosts scored a fifth-minute try as Tevita Kuridrani danced his way past Christian Wade.

Brumbies full-back Jesse Mogg extended his side’s lead to eight points before Stuart Hogg made amends for an early penalty miss to leave the score at 8-3 at half-time.

Mogg added two further penalties to push the Brumbies 11 points clear, and although Gatland made significant changes in the second half, Owen Farrell’s kicking could only reduce the deficit to two.

“We got physically beaten up front,” said Best after the 14-12 loss.

“They put a lot of pressure on our set piece and we got a bit nervy. Credit to the Brumbies, they were hungrier than us all across the board.

He added: “I don’t think we’re looking for excuses. We brought in quality players. When you looked across the team, we had quality there. We just got beaten at the breakdown tonight.”

Best, who was drafted into the Lions squad following Dylan Hartley’s ban, endured a particularly miserable match as he struggled with the lineout, like his fellow forwards.

And the Ulster hooked conceded the Brumbies were able to put the Lions under pressure which resulted in a nervy performance.

“We definitely got nervy. Just the small units misfired. At this level, if you can’t secure the ball, you’re always going to be under pressure. So the forwards have to stand up and take a lot of the heat,” he added.

“We went in fresh. We were feeling very confident. We knew it was going to be a tough task but we were confident in the ability of the team. We just didn’t turn up tonight. They wanted it more.”

The 36-year-old retired from international rugby in December 2011 – having made 41 appearances in the Six Nations, winning the Grand Slam twice – and currently plays in Japan.

He was heading to Australia to work as a radio pundit but with numerous injury concerns, Williams, who played for the Lions in 2005 and 2009, has been seconded by Warren Gatland for Tuesday’s match with the Brumbies, the last warm-up game before the first Test.

Williams will line-up on one wing on Tuesday with Christian Wade on the other and Billy Twelvetrees and Brad Barritt in the centres after all three Englishmen were also added to the squad.

Faletau said: “He’s just such a legend I guess and it’s good to have him back.

“I was just shocked to be honest, but it’s great to be able to take the field with him again.

“It’s been a while since he [Williams] retired from international rugby, I haven’t really spoken to him since, just a few messages now and again.

“He’s still playing rugby and he’ll have no problems stepping up, it’s just good to have him here.

“There are two good wingers out there, so we’ll just give them the ball and hopefully they’ll do the rest.”

Twelvetrees and Barritt were added with Gatland preferring not to risk Brian O’Driscoll and Manu Tuilagi, who are slight injury concerns, while Jonathan Davies has played more minutes than anyone else so far.

Jamie Roberts, meanwhile, is rated doubtful for the first Test after limping out of Saturday’s victory over the Waratahs, clutching his right leg.

“Jamie is a grave doubt for this week – there is no doubt about that,” said Lions team doctor James Robson.

“You only had to see how much discomfort he was in at the weekend. However, further assessment will be made later in the week as to his availability going forward.”

The 36-year-old is currently playing in Japan after calling time on a decorated international career with Wales in 2011.

Williams, who is Wales’ record try-scorer, is joined by England duo Christian Wade and Brad Barritt, who will arrive from Argentina on Monday.

Gatland has named Rory Best as captain for the final warm-up game, while Ireland full-back Rob Kearney will start his first game of the tour.

“He [Williams] is in pretty good nick,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.

“He has been boxing as well, but hopefully that is not going to be needed on Tuesday. We know he is fit and in training and I am sure he will come in and do the jersey proud.”

Ireland wing Simon Zebo could feature from the bench as Wales star George North faces a race to be fit for the first Test next Saturday.

Lions team: Rob Kearney, Christian Wade, Brad Barritt, Billy Twelvetrees, Shane Williams, Stuart Hogg, Ben Youngs; Ryan Grant, Rory Best (capt), Matt Stevens, Ian Evans, Richie Gray, Sean O’Brien, Justin Tipuric, Toby Faletau

Replacements: Richard Hibbard, Alex Corbisiero, Dan Cole, Geoff Parling, Dan Lydiate, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Simon Zebo

The London Wasps’ wing, 22, has been drafted in to provide cover for injuries in the squad and he will depart from Buenos Aires tonight and is due to arrive in Australia on Monday.

As a result, Gloucester youngster Jonny May will win his first cap for England against Argentina in the second Test at Velez Sarsfield on Saturday.

England head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “We’re delighted for Christian. He’s been in excellent form, played really well on his Test debut against Argentina last weekend and he goes with the best wishes of all the England players and management.

“Jonny May comes into the side to win his first cap against the Pumas today. He’s been an important part of our squad over the last four weeks, he’s up to speed with everything we’re doing and this is a great opportunity for him.”

Warren Gatland’s men were 47-17 winners against the New South Wales Waratahs on Saturday morning but the Lions suffered a blow after centre Jamie Roberts picked up an injury to his right leg.

Warren Gatland talked up his captain pre-game; making the point that no player, not even his captain, was untouchable on tour. Perhaps it was mind games; perhaps it was a call to Warburton to prove just why he was chosen as tour captain. In being given another 80 minute run out, Warburton was given all the time he needed to state his case, and following a further solid display at the breakdown and at the loose, his starting position seems to be a shut in case for the tour captain. While this may come as an unfortunate blow to his compatriot Dan Lydiate, arguably the in-form player at seven, there may still be hope at six, but Lydiate’s predicament remains testament as to just how good one must be to be given a test start for the Lions.

Combinations are forming, but remain incomplete throughout the XV

Squad selections with just a week to go have often given an indication to the XV that will start the first Test. For Gatland in 2013, while there were certainly hints in the coach’s selection in certain departments on Saturday morning, a full 15 to face the Wallabies next weekend remains incomplete. Based on previous selections, it appears the panel looks set in the tight five; half backs and centre pairings – with the rest of the squad, including the crucial, competitive back row remaining up in the air. Expect positions to be up for grabs right up until the very last training session late next week.

Quick turnaround from Zebo provides Gatland further depth

Considering just where exactly Simon Zebo was in the world this time last week, this was a hugely impressive performance against the Waratahs. Unfortunate to be denied by the brilliant Drew Mitchell in the opening minute, he wasn’t to let this get the best of him for the further 79 minutes. The coaching staff must now decide whether or not to play Zebo in midweek given the fitness situation of some his back three candidates. But should this be the case, a role as an impact sub in the opening test will still remain a remarkable turnaround.

Halfpenny the pressure absorber

For the second game running between the pair, Leigh Halfpenny was favoured to Jonathan Sexton for place kicking – and such a decision by the kicking coaches could just prove to be inspired. Relieved of his place kicking duties that can be indifferent at times, Sexton has been allowed to simply focus on his distribution, defence and kicking from hand – which are arguably his main strengths and his backline have complimented this fully in return. This chemistry needs to work next weekend for the Lions to have any chance.

Mind the counter attack

While the score line and overall performance from the Lions will put them in excellent stead for next week momentum-wise, Gatland and his coaching team know full well that that an solid overall performance against the ‘tahs won’t mean guaranteed success against the Wallabies. There were moments that the opposition that provided Gatland some food for thought. In the breakdown and in particular the quick, wide Southern hemisphere-style counter attack, the Lions appeared overwhelmed on a number of occasions. These are areas that will need tending in the next week, lest to avoid an avoidable punishment next weekend.

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Leinster fly-half Jonny Sexton and Leigh Halfpenny both scored tries in the first half which were sandwiched between Tom Carter’s effort to hand the tourists a 23-10 lead at the break.

Gatland’s men stepped up the pace after the interval as Halfpenny added a second before Tom Croft and Jonathan Davies capped off the performance to secure an emphatic victory in Sydney.

And the Lions head coach Gatland was thrilled with the performance of his side ahead of next weekend’s opening Test match against Australia.

“They put it up to us physically and I think the boys responded very well,” said Gatland.

“I think that was a performance out of the top drawer. Defensively we were strong. We were coming off our line pretty good and set piece was excellent, the scrum was strong and the line-out was good.

In particular, Gatland singled out the performances of Alun-Wyn Jones, Davies and Lions debutant Simon Zebo, who was denied a try in the opening minute, for special praise.

“We showed a little bit tonight but not too much. I thought Alun-Wyn Jones was outstanding, he carried, defended really well, he was a real cog in the middle for us,” he added.

“Jonathan Davies was a good in the midfield and a great start for Simon Zebo. It’s a really happy squad at the moment.”

At the end of the regular XV season Gray left London Irish, the No.8 frustrated at a lack of regular playing time in the Aviva Premiership, and made the surprise switch to sign full-time with Ben Ryan’s England sevens team.

Last weekend he made his debut, helping England triumph at the Lyon leg of the European Grand Prix series, a result which sets Ryan’s men up nicely going into the sevens Rugby World Cup in Moscow which for them starts with a Pool match against Portugal on 28 June.

Gray, speaking as he helped launch this summer’s J.P. Morgan Premiership Rugby 7s tournament which starts on 1 August, admits England were inconsistent during the World Series, but he believes the World Cup represents a chance to put things right – and he is desperate to help out.

“I have always wanted to play a bit of sevens and like a lot of young players I was struggling and getting a bit frustrated at not getting as much game time in the Premiership as I would have liked,” said the 22-year-old discussing his switch.

“Sevens was a bit of an outlet to try and get away and work on my game and my skills, and I don’t think there is any better place to do that than the sevens circuit.

“I knew the schedule coming up with a World Cup this summer and a Commonwealth Games next summer. There are a lot of big tournaments coming up and a lot of places to go and test myself and prove what I can do.

“Being involved in a World Cup that only comes around every four years will be something special. Coming into the sevens I want to play in these big tournaments and you don’t get much bigger than a World Cup, so that is my first aim to get myself into contention for that.

“It is going to be a big finish to the year and if you can come out world champions it is going to put a bonus on anyone’s season. If we could get a win at the World Cup I think that will put a few things right.”