Lions 2013: Brumbies Humble Gatland's Men Ahead of First Test

British and Irish Lions suffered their first defeat of the tour less than a week before the first test against Australia after being overwhelmed 14-12 by Super 14 side Brumbies in Canberra.

Warren Gatland's men had won their previous five tour matches in comfortable fashion leading to accusations that the Lions would be undercooked going into the three-match series against Australia.

But in stark contrast, the Lions head into Saturday's opening test in Brisbane on the back of their first defeat after an unsettled starting XV wilted under the intensity of the Brumbies led by South African Jake White.

Trevita Kuridrani had the home side ahead with the only try of the match as early as the fourth minute, after he ghosted past Christian Wade and Rob Kearney.

Four players were making their Lions debuts in the Australian capital, and a lack of experience was showing in the early moments; Stuart Hogg, who began at 10, missing a simply penalty to help cut the arrears.

Jesse Mogg and Hogg did exchange penalties before the break, and two further penalties from the Brumbies full-back extended the hosts' lead to 14-3.

The Scot did cut the deficit before being replaced by Owen Farrell, who kicked two penalties as the Lions staged a late comeback.

However, despite dominating position for much of the closing minutes, the tourists lacked a killer instinct as the Brumbies closed out a momentous victory.

Gatland said at full time: "The breakdown was disappointing and in terms of securing the ball were we poor.

"Our intensity was poor in the first half but we were better in the second half. But we weren't good enough.

"We seemed a bit flat out there in the first half and played too much rugby in our own half. We needed to play smartly and play territory.

"I'm obviously disappointed. We came here after a good performance against the Waratahs. I thought it was a tight game and it was really frustrating.

We've picked up a few injuries in the backs and it about getting the balance right. When you pick the squad you try to get the balance right."