Chiefs humble Wales with crushing 40-7 defeat

by The TRU Team Tuesday 14 June 2016

Chiefs 40 - 7 Wales, FMG Stadium Waikato
Scorecard

The Chiefs ran a six-try havoc at Wales in Hamilton on Tuesday as Warren Gatland's men were humbled with a 40-7 defeat at Waikato Stadium.

Coach Gatland, who named a second-string side for the game, had given an opportunity to his players to stake a claim for a starting XV spot in the second Test on Saturday.

However, Gatland's homecoming turned into a sorry affair as the Chiefs created history in emphatic fashion to become the first Super Rugby side to defeat an international team.

The visitors were able to score just a solitary try as replacement hooker Kristian Dacey managed to cross over the tryline on 55th minute. Apart from fly-half Rhys Priestland's successful conversion which followed Dacey's try, Wales were unable to score any more points in the game.

Chiefs scrum-half Brad Weber (7'), number eight Tom Sanders (31') and lock Dominic Bird (37') scored tries in the first half, giving their side a compelling 21-point lead to set the tone for the outcome of the match.

Things didn't change at all for the visitors as Chiefs successfully carrying the first-half momentum, added three more tries to their tally in the second-half. Fullback James Lowe (66'), wing Toni Pulu (74') and replacement Sam McNicol (77') crossed over the line for the home side.

Fly-half Stephen Donald (7', 32', 39', 67') successfully scored four conversions whereas Lowe (78') managed to make one at the concluding stages of the game.

Wales now have four days to recover from this embarrassing defeat before Saturday's second Test in Wellington.