Warren Gatland conceded Wales were 'embarrassed' by their performance during the first-Test defeat in South Africa.
Wales coach not impressed by performance in Bloemfontein
Warren Gatland conceded Wales were 'embarrassed' by their performance in the first Test in South Africa.
Head coach Gatland compared some of his players to 'startled rabbits' during the 43-17 defeat at Vodacom Park, which is located 1,395 metres above sea level in Bloemfontein.
World champions South Africa, for whom Bath fly-half Butch James booted 23 points, outscored their visitors by four tries to two, the final scoreline barely doing justice to their dominance.
Wales' back division looked threatening on the rare occasions they got their hands on the ball in space and they at least managed a try in each half through Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams.
Embarrassed
"There were a few opportunities we didn't take and a few soft penalties that we gave away," Gatland told
Sky Sports after his first defeat since taking charge.
"In the first half we could have been in it by taking those chances but we were physically dominated by a better side.
"We're a little embarrassed by that performance.
"For me the big thing is confidence and self-belief, and I learned today that even if you speak about it - well, I didn't see it.
"Some people were a bit like startled rabbits.
"That's what you learn from an occasion like today and you have got to learn from it."
Big favour
South Africa captain John Smit, leading his country for a record 50th time, claimed the hosts had been motivated by some bullish pre-match comments from the Wales camp.
"We heard about the physical onslaught that was going to be brought at us in the media and that was probably the biggest favour they could have done us," commented Smit.
"We have got a lot of work to do. But I'm satisfied with the start - 43-17, you can't argue with that."
The series concludes with the second Test at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria next Saturday.
