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Two scratch sides were in action last weekend, but only the Barbarians impressed as the Lions struggled to down second-tier opponents.

A difficult start for the Lions has left them in no doubt as to the size of the challenge they face in South Africa. They must get better, and better quickly, if they are to have any chance of making 2009 a successful tour.

There were few positives to take from the 37-25 victory over an invitation Royal Highveld XV on Saturday, bar one or two individual performances and the fact they actually won.

Yes, the Lions showed character to battle back from a 25-13 deficit with 15 minutes to go, but overall it was a below-par effort against the weakest opposition they will face on their 10-match trip.

Some will excuse the Lions' error-ridden performance on the grounds it was the first run-out for a scratch team still finding their feet and looking to develop untried combinations.

One or two of the tourists were also clearly affected by the occasion - despite the quite obvious lack of a sizeable crowd - and the weight of history and tradition that comes with wearing the Lions jersey for the first time.

Fair enough points, but why was it that the other scratch side in action on Saturday - the Barbarians - had no such problems, with less preparation and against stiffer opposition?

Anyone who witnessed the Baa-baas' dismantling of England has every right to ask why they were able to produce such an impressive effort after just two sessions together, and yet the Lions were a relative shambles after two weeks of training?

The Barbarians played as if they had been together all season: not for them the excuses of new combinations and nerves. They just went out and did what they do as individuals for their clubs week in, week out.

Lee Byrne's (pictured) commanding display from full-back was clearly the biggest plus for the Lions, and it will now take a monumental effort from Ireland's Rob Kearney to wrestle the number 15 jersey from his Welsh rival.

Centre Jamie Roberts and prop Andrew Sheridan also finished the game in credit, while Paul O'Connell, Martyn Williams and Ronan O'Gara deserve a mention for sticking to the task when the result looked like it might go against them.

Most worrying for the Lions was the lack of any discernable game plan and indicators of a specific style they will hope to refine over the next six weeks. It was only in the last 15 minutes, when the Royal XV began to tire, that the Lions were able to impose themselves.

Prior to that there was little difference between the UK and Ireland's finest and an invitational side made up of players deemed not good enough to play Super 14 rugby.

Talking of which, the Bulls 61-17 mauling of the Waikato Chiefs in the final of that competition in nearby Pretoria, merely served to highlight how difficult the Lions' task will be.

Of course it is far too soon to write off the tourists and many a Lions squad has gone on to achieve success after a poor opening performance.

A decent victory on Wednesday against Super 14 side Golden Lions - who will be far tougher opponents - will erase memories of last weekend and give the players and coaching staff the early momentum they need.

But the fact remains the Lions had a chance to lay down a marker against the Royal XV and show the South African public that the Test series is by no means a one-horse race.

They failed to do that and another bad performance on Wednesday will see the pressure mount and fuel thoughts that the world champion Springboks have little to fear.

Agree, disagree? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.

Terence O'Rorke / Eurosport