Back in training: Martin Johnson put through his paces on Wednesday

But the day off stays. It remains on the players' schedule.

It's just that is will be spent practising how to throw in and how to catch - two areas the Lions failed miserably to succeed in at Gosford on Tuesday night.

There is no doubt that this tour has shifted on its axis following defeat to Australia A.

Smiles have turned to frowns throughout the squad and Keith Wood no longer waves to the girls from Limerick when they call after him in the hotel lobby.

Sponsors Adidas (four nations, one shirt) (and one dismal advertising slogan) held a media afternoon down on the beach on Wednesday.

The idea was that the pale and podgy gathering would sip beer and play volleyball, whilst breaking off for informal chats with the likes of Martin Johnson and Neil Jenkins, both of whom are on the Adidas corporate pay roll.

Only no players turned up and the volleyball, although hardly compelling, remained uninterrupted.

The Lions were woeful in the line-outs against Australia A

The mood has changed.

A large number of players moved a lot further away from Test selection on Tuesday, rather than nearer - Scott Murray, Malcolm O'Kelly, Neil Jenkins and even skipper Dai Young.

Some, like O'Kelly, are unhappy with being played out of position, while others like Colin Charvis, Ronan O'Gara and Mark Taylor would love just to be able to start a game, whatever the position.

Henry's reaction to the defeat has stunned many of the 37-man squad who felt they had not had enough time to prepare beforehand.

The coach has claimed more time will be spent on preparing the Saturday Test team and the midweekers will simply have to fend for themselves.

Hardly music to the ears of those still hoping to get into Test contention.

The problem is there are too many players on this tour. And not enough matches.