Chiefs vs Wales match report: Warren Gatland says fringe players 'answered' questions after suffering heavy defeat
Chiefs 40 Wales 7: New Zealand Super Rugby side record six-try mauling to continue Wales's alarming defensive record
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Your support makes all the difference.There was no happy homecoming for Warren Gatland in his home town of Hamilton as the local heroes from the Chiefs put his Welsh team to the sword in a 40-7 victory.
The game was supposed to be a 'thank you' from Wales to the people of Hamilton for the support they showed them at the 2011 World Cup, but they were in no mood to show any more charity.
Their six tries the Super Rugby side scored took the Welsh tally conceded in three games this summer to 15.
The home side, who as Waikato had beaten Wales at the same venue in 1988, struck early as their captain, 2011 World Cup final matchwinner Stephen Donald, weaved his way through the Welsh defence after a line-out steal and offloaded to half-back partner Brad Weber, who ran 25 metres unopposed to the posts.
Donald added the conversion and Wales had received an early reminder that even with 20 players ruled out through international commitments and injury the home side were going to be highly competitive.
Wales recovered their poise and should have scored as they dominated the rest of the opening quarter.
Scrum half Gareth Davies got to within five metres, wing Eli Walker was hauled down inches short and then No 8 James King was scragged on the line and conceded a penalty.
Having ridden their luck, the Chiefs came back onto the offensive and they ended the half with a flourish as No 8 Tom Sanders drove over for a try at the posts and then lock Dom Bird crossed wide out.
Donald converted both and Wales were all at sea.
Things got better in the second half as the tourists kept the ball tighter and the introduction of Taulupe Faletau and Bradley Davies added extra impetus.
Eventually they were able to make their pressure tell as they drove replacement hooker Kristian Dacey over for a try after 56 minutes which Rhys Priestland converted.
That was the high point for Wales, who then conceded three more tries before the end to James Lowe, Toni Pulu and Sam McNicol.
Donald added a fourth conversion before leaving the field to a standing ovation and James Lowe knocked over the final conversion to make it a 33-point gap - Wales' biggest provincial defeat in New Zealand.
They have got to be honest about looking themselves in the mirror, going away, and thinking about how they apply that to being better players in the future
Wales coach Gatland has told his fringe players they need to take a hard look at themselves. Gatland was looking for players to put up their hands for selection for Saturday's second Test in Wellington, particularly as he needs to replace winger George North because of his hamstring injury, but he saw little to commend as the Chiefs ran in six tries.
"It was disappointing. We asked a few questions of some players by giving them an opportunity, but some of them didn't take their chance and we weren't clinical enough in finishing off our chances," said Gatland.
"As a team we felt the Chiefs were tiring a bit, but they defended well and when the chances came their way they were excellent. They dominated us at collision time.
"Sometimes the game of rugby is very simple - it is a physical game about collisions and they were better than us in attack and defence in that area. A lot of our players will have learned a lot from that.
"There were a number of players tonight given a chance to go out and make a statement, perform and put their hands up for selection for Saturday. A few questions were answered for us about the fringe players and where they are at the moment.
"Players have been asking me for an opportunity and asking me why they haven't been selected. There are some very simple answers in the next few days with their performance.
"They have got to be honest about looking themselves in the mirror, going away, looking at that performance and what they learned from tonight and thinking about how they apply that to being better players in the future. We've got to do the same as coaches."
His opposite number, Dave Rennie, was delighted with his side's victory and is now looking forward to a game against the British & Irish Lions next year.
"These games are one-offs and I didn't feel as nervous as I normally do for a Super Rugby match. We were hoping that would be the same for the players so they could go out there and enjoy it," said Rennie.
"I didn't see that scoreline coming and at 21-7, when they nearly scored again, it could have been a different game. But we were very clinical and we built pressure after those opening 20 minutes.
"I was immensely proud of our defence - a lot of that comes from heart and togetherness."
PA
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