WALES’ MIDWEEK MEN weren’t short of recognisable internationals, but in the face of a Chiefs side in mean form, they slumped to a 40 – 7 trouncing in Hamilton this morning.
The 2013 Super Rugby champions had eight All Blacks away on international duty but rarely looked hampered as they ran in six tries on Warren Gatland’s return to Waikato.
Stephen Donald was in imperious form through a dominant 21 – 0 first-half performance. The 32-year-old out-half sparked the breakthrough with an offload to Brad Weber and was unfortunate not to get his own name on the try-scorers’ list in between Tom Sanders and a jinking run from second row Dominic Bird.
Donald hit four conversions before hobbling off to a rousing applause in the second half and the rout was completed by exhilarating attacking moves finished off by James Lowe, Toni Pulu, Sam McNicol.
Kristian Dacey scored Wales’ sole score on the back of a 56th minute maul, but it had been all downhill for the visitors after this intense Chiefs Haka before kick-off.
Chiefs: James Lowe, Toni Pulu, Anton Lienert Brown, Andrew Horrell, Sam Vaka, Stephen Donald Capt., Brad Weber: Mitchell Graham, Rhys Marshall, Hiroshi Yamashita, Rhys Marshall, MItchell Graham.
Replacements: Hika Elliot, Siegfried Fisi’ihoi, Atu Moli, Taleni Seu, Tevita Koloamatangi, Kayne Hammington, Sam McNicol, Latu Vaeno.
Wales: Matthew Morgan (Bristol Rugby), Eli Walker (Ospreys), Tyler Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Scott Williams (Scarlets), Tom James (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Priestland (Bath Rugby) Gareth Davies (Scarlets): Rob Evans (Scarlets), Scott Baldwin (Ospreys), Tomas Francis (Exeter Chiefs), Jake Ball (Scarlets), Luke Charteris Capt. (Racing 92), Josh Turnbull (Cardiff Blues), Sam Warburton (Cardiff Blues), James King (Ospreys).
Replacements: Kristian Dacey (Cardiff Blues), Aaron Jarvis (Ospreys), Rhodri Jones (Scarlets), Bradley Davies (Wasps), Taulupe Faletau (Newport Gwent Dragons), Aled Davies (Scarlets), Jamie Roberts (Harlequins), Rhys Patchell (Cardiff Blues).
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