Wales flanker Dan Lydiate did not mince his words after the 16-16 draw against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium.
Awesome All Blacks up next for misfiring Wales
Wales flanker Dan Lydiate did not mince his words after the 16-16 draw against Fiji at the Millennium Stadium.
The hosts were distinctly unimpressive as they failed to avenge their 2007 World Cup defeat to the Islanders.
Wales had been looking to claim a morale-boosting win with New Zealand the visitors to Cardiff next week, but this disjointed and passion-less display was far from ideal preparation for the mighty All Blacks.
"We're absolutely gutted," admitted Lydiate. "We came here to get the result and we didn't deliver tonight.
"We always knew it would be physical coming up against these boys and they didn't disappoint. A lot of us will be aching tomorrow.
"We didn't take our chances and made a lot of errors and you can't do that at this level.
As for next week and the All Blacks, Lydiate added: "We have to turn it right around, we can't play like that again of we're going to get battered."
Meanwhile, Wales head coach Warren Gatland has confirmed that Scarlets hooker Matthew Rees will captain the side against New Zealand.
The British and Irish Lions forward led Wales in their opening two autumn games against Australia and South Africa, but was rested for the draw with Fiji.
Ospreys flanker Ryan Jones led the side against the Islanders.
Fiji captain Deacon Manu, who plays for Welsh outfit Scarlets, thinks that Wales may have underestimated his side.
"I am really happy with how the guys stood up today," the prop said.
"The last 20 minutes we really had to dig in. We had to make sure we were concentrating as the Welsh side will pounce on any lapses.
"The last 20 minutes were huge and we were happy that we were able to retain the ball, which you can do under the new rules, and keep playing and keep the momentum going.
"It's a step forward for us to come away from home and get a draw, but looking at who Wales have played in the last couple of weeks, and next week they have a tough game against the All Blacks, maybe they took their eye off this game."
