Rugby: Chiefs vast depth showcased

Brad Weber kicks forward during the Chiefs clash with Wales last night. Photo / Getty Images

True the attack was classy but it was quality defence which proved the difference as the Chiefs won last night's international rugby match against Wales at Waikato Stadium.

Current and former Magpies were prominent with their defensive work. Starting second five-eighth Andrew Horrell's line speed was top shelf.

Magpies halfback Brad Weber marshalled the defence well particularly around the fringes where former Magpies hooker Hika Elliot was busy after taking the field as a second half replacement.

Both teams played with plenty of enterprise and vigour in the first half but it was the Chiefs who dominated on the scoreboard. Weber, who again showed the All Black selectors he will be more than ready if required, opened the scoring with a try in the seventh minute off a dab from captain and first five-eighth Stephen Donald who added the conversion.

Magpies lock Michael Allardice was forced from the field with a knee injury in the 26th minute but the hosts who have former Magpies coach Kieran Keane on the coaching staff were able to maintain the pressure. Busy No8 Tom Sanders crashed over for a try in the 31st minute after 17 phases.

Donald was again on target with the extras. Donald was unlucky to have a try ruled out in the 36th minute as officials failed to see any clear grounding. However a minute later former All Black lock Dominic Bird, a Hawke's Bay age group teammate of Weber's, scored after a 15 metre solo run. Donald kicked the conversion and the Chiefs led 21-0 at halftime.

Bird's defensive work was just as accurate as his set-piece play and powerful carries for a side which missed the services of eight All Black regulars as well as players on All Black Sevens duty and New Zealand under-20 team duty.

Substitute hooker Kristian Dacey scored Wales' first and only try in the 55th minute. It was converted by first five-eighth Rhys Priestland.

As they did in the first half the Chiefs punished the Welsh errors. Fullback James Lowe scored in the 66th minute after a clever break from substitute lock Taleni Seu. Donald again converted.

New Magpies outside back Sam McNicol took the field as a 49th minute sub and oozed class. He made a try-saving tackle on his promising opposite Eli Walker and then scampered away to score in the 77th minute after a clever kick ahead from centre Anton Lienert-Brown.

Lowe's conversion ended the scoring. Earlier fellow Chiefs winger Roni Pulu had scored in the 74th minute after some spectacular buildup work from Seu. Lowe missed this conversion attempt from wide.

Former Taradale prop Siegfried Fisi'ihoi had 66 minutes of action. Although he struggled at scrum time he made some powerful carries.

Captain Donald said while the win wasn't pretty he was proud of his troops as they defended for 80 per cent of the match.

"A lot of our guys haven't had much opportunities. It shows how strong our depth is and more than 20,000 fans roared us home."

Wales captain Luke Charteris said it was unacceptable for his side to lose by this margin. Scorers:

Chiefs 40 (Brad Weber, Tom Sanders, Dominic Bird, James Lowe, Toni Pulu, Sam McNicol tries; Stephen Donald 4, Lowe cons), Wales 7 (Kristian Dacey try; Rhys Priestland con). HT:21-0.