15 Jun 2016

Coach and captain proud of their Chiefs players

9:49 am on 15 June 2016

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says he couldn't be happier with his players after their 40-7 win over Wales in Hamilton last night.

Chiefs player Stephen Donald.

Chiefs player Stephen Donald. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Without eight of their All Blacks, the Chiefs impressed on both attack and defence as they scored six tries to one to further knock the confidence of the touring Welsh.

Rennie said, "I'm rapped for the players, it was a pretty special performance because we played a fair chunk of the game without any ball."

"There was a hell of a lot of scrambling and there were times when I thought they had to score and they didn't ,and when we had the pill we worked hard and were clinical and just about took every opportunity we had."

2011 World Cup hero Stephen Donald captained the side, kicking four conversions and setting up a try, although one of his own was ruled out.

The 32 year old got a standing ovation as he left the field on 68 minutes with the crowd chanting "Beaver".

He was embarrassed by that, but immensely honoured by his players' performance.

"Just can't put into words how proud I am of that Chiefs team tonight, just a lot of young guys, guys making their debuts against an international team and guys that have played just one game and so it was just inspiring to be a part of it really."

Chiefs players perform the haka before their game against Wales 2016.

Chiefs players perform the haka before their game against Wales 2016. Photo: PHOTOSPORT

The Wales coach Warren Gatland said his side were guilty of butchering chances.

"We created some chances particularly in that first half and weren't clinical enough in terms of finishing that off."

"It was disappointing, we answered a few questions in terms of some players given an opportunity and unfortunately some of us (players) didn't take that."

Wales now head to Wellington for the second Test against the All Blacks.

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