By Neal Collins

OK, it's too little, too late, but at least the much-maligned 2005 Lions managed to come up with a win against New Zealand's strongest provincial outfit.

Ian McGeechan's dirt-trackers, unbeaten so far on this tour, have rechristened themselves the 'Midweek Massive'.

The Saturday side, beaten by the Maori and twice by the All Blacks, are more of a 'Pussy Posse', I guess.

Auckland coach Pat Lam, calling on All Blacks Joe Rokocoko, Sam Tuitupou, Steve Devine and Brad Mika, didn't come to lose.

They very nearly didn't having lost just once in 13 times to touring sides of late with six victories already registered against the Lions.

But by half-time, the British and Irish were 14-3 up, with Charlie Hodgson kicking a penalty before going off winded and replacement Ronan O'Gara adding a couple of penalties before Mark Cueto's break set up Martyn Williams for the only try late in the period.

Cueto did enough to suggest his relegation to a bit-part player on this tour was just another selection mistake.

But then when you've got 50 to choose from, it's pretty tough to get it right.

Auckland came back through Ica Nacewa's try, converted by full-back Brent Ward and at 13-14 it was anyone's game.

Auckland, three times Super 12 winners with a record 12 domestic titles to their name, were giving it everything.

O'Gara's cool penalty made it 17-13 with three minutes left and once more the midweek side had proved massive.

But the problem is, the distinction between Saturdays and midweek was never really made.

Too many players, too few games, too much preparation, too little match practice.

The Lions head for the All Blackwash-threatening final Test without much hope.

Complacency perhaps? Disinterest? These are Sir Clive's only real hopes of a late but essentially meaningless last-gasp redemption.

And when you're talking in those terms, with over 10,000 fans following you halfway around the world, you can't help but feel it's been a colossal disappointment this tour.