Graham Henry was under intense pressure

"I know it hasn't been the easiest tour of all time but that's what it's like when you tour a country like this," Lenihan told the players.

"I'd just like to sincerely thank everyone. Johnno, the management, everyone."

The Irishman then broke down in tears, saying "you couldn't have done any more boys."

Henry also praised the players' character but his words were less emotional.

"You didn't win it but you gave it your best shot," he said. "You can't ask any more than that."

There was no reaction to the New Zealander as the players struggled to come to terms with defeat.

Injured Pride gives an insight into the often-strained relationship between the players and the management.

Donal Lenihan was emotional in defeat

Matt Dawson describes how he was forced to apologise in front of the team after coming close to being thrown off the tour for his outspoken comments in the media.

Austin Healey also incurred the wrath of the management for an article ahead of the final Test as the Lions tour party struggled to maintain a united front.

By half-time in the final Test, the scene in the dressing room was hardly one of unity as Henry and hooker Keith Wood disagreed over lineout tactics and skipper Martin Johnson implored the players to work together.

Henry made a last-ditch plea, questioning the players' character and commitment.

"Our whole character is at stake this half," he said. "The British Lions' character is at stake, whether you've got the guts or not.

"The Australians don't think you have. Have you got the character?"

Whether it was the players or the management that was to blame, the Lions lost the series and, as Davies says, they will always be known as the "nearly" Lions.