Welsh greats slam Gatland's men

Welsh rugby legend Barry John says any comparison with All Blacks playmaker Daniel Carter leaves him red with embarrassment.

John joined a host of Wales greats-turned-newspaper columnists to get stuck into the men and red while praising New Zealand's attacking style in last Saturday's 42-9 first test win in Dunedin.

"Warren Gatland's side were dogged and committed but New Zealand were too skilful, too quick and too strong for Wales," John wrote in the South Wales Echo.

He believes the Welsh must compete for the full 80 minutes or risk another hiding in the second test here on Saturday.

The man who carved up the All Blacks in the famous British and Irish Lions series win in 1971 said the biggest difference between the sides was Carter's allround ability, which stretched beyond his 27-point haul.

"He made a mockery of the idea that his powers are on the wane and confirmed his status as the greatest flyhalf of the modern era," John wrote.

"Carter and myself have often been compared and I view it as one heck of a compliment to be talked about in the same sentence as him.

"The No 10 role has changed so much from the dark ages when I played and you now need a physical element to your game, as well as an outside-half's traditional tactical nous and composure.

"But it's his eye for a gap and his ruthless streak that truly sets Carter apart from most players."

John was delighted with Wales' first-half commitment in Dunedin but said the second spell ushered in an all-too familiar collapse.

"When we play these sides our concentration wavers at key points and we hand the initiative to the opposition.

"The All Blacks could almost smell our indecision and when they smelt blood, they took full advantage.

"Believe me, New Zealand is an unforgiving place to play rugby and some of these Welsh players have just experienced it for the first time."

Former Wales and Lions winger Gareth Griffiths wrote in the Western Mail that Wales kicked too much and poorly.

"The other concern was the lack of creativity. Wales had a lot of ball in the first half, but we did not really create any chances. There was a lot of passing to be admired but we did not have the cutting edge New Zealand had," he wrote.

"The first test is always the game touring teams target because you feel you can catch the home side cold.

"But, after shipping 40 points in Dunedin, New Zealand will be determined to go one better next weekend in Hamilton. And Wales will now be aware how good this All Blacks side are."

Propping great Graham Price also slammed the drop of intensity in the second half which did further damage to Wales' quest for credibility among the leading nations.

"I know exactly what the Welsh boys will face this week," he said.

"The New Zealand public will take pity on them and shower them with sympathy after this scoreline. I hated that as a player and the only way to stop that is to earn some respect and restore some pride on the pitch."

- NZPA