EMBARRASSING – that is how former coach Darren Edwards described the 92-0 humiliation of Wales Under 20s by New Zealand in Italy this week.

It was the biggest defeat suffered by an Welsh team against anyone, anywhere and Edwards is still reeling from the magnitude of the defeat for the team he coached almost up to their departure for Italy before quitting to take on the Newport Gwent Dragons role full-time.

“It was embarrassing, we just didn’t perform,” he lamented. “They are a better group than we saw on the field and full respect to New Zealand, but we just didn’t play, no-one expected that.

“I have talked to the coaches out there (he is travelling out to see for himself next week) and it was a bit strategic with the Italy game coming up, but we still didn’t see that coming.

“I worked with these players, but I thought they lacked attitude.

“Preparations were limited and there were technical difficulties, but attitude had never been a problem.

“It was disappointing to see them not have that against New Zealand, it was as if it was all over at the kick-off and I don’t expect that.

“These guys play in the Welsh Premiership and some play regional rugby whereas some of the New Zealanders play college and age grade rugby. I still can’t believe we didn’t front up, and the physical side of things was poor.

“It highlighted the basics of the game. New Zealand did nothing flash, but they did the basics well with attitude and physicality with a win-at-all-costs mentality.

“It’s all hard to swallow and there are no excuses. But the two goals of this tournament are the seedings and the need to produce future internationals.

“It’s a mental game, but it’s still a tournament. If we can get the best loser’s position we will fight for a top four spot so we’ll have done a job. Wales were eighth last year. They called it wrong on the day and I would expect the boys to respond after this.”