Ex-captain Gwyn Jones has led a chorus of criticism of Warren Gatland and his coaching team following their public berating of Wales players.

Gatland and assistants Shaun Edwards and Rob Howley were scathing in their assessment of a woeful Wales display in Friday's 16-16 Cardiff draw with Fiji.

Ryan Jones bore the brunt of it as he was stripped of the Wales captaincy.

"In taking the captaincy away [Gatland] created a scapegoat, avoiding criticism he himself deserves," said Gwyn Jones.

"I feel very uncomfortable that Gatland has come out and announced it was Ryan's fault, not the other failings which were evident to everyone during the performance.

"[Gatland deserves criticism] because of Wales' terrible recent record during a week where they have to prepare to take on the All Blacks where they should be pulling in the same direction for the biggest challenge.

"They now have a split, and I'd like to see the coach taking considerable responsibility because, ultimately, he is the one who is responsible."

Other prominent ex-players including Jonathan Davies, Phil Davies and chairman of the Welsh Rugby Players Association Rhys Williams have also suggested that the Wales coach should have kept his comments in-house.

In the post-match fall-out, Howley reserved special criticism for half-backs Richie Rees and Dan Biggar, while Edwards suggested that a number of players had blown their chances of making the World Cup.

Gatland said he was "embarrassed" by his team and launched a wide-ranging critique of their efforts.

But the main blame appeared to fall on the shoulders of 2008 Grand Slam captain Ryan Jones, who Gatland immediately confirmed would not lead his country in their next Test, against New Zealand on Saturday.

The criticisms of Gatland appeared to fall heaviest on Jones

The back-rower - who has led Wales more than any other man - missed the opening November Test against Australia with a calf injury, allowing hooker Matthew Rees to take the skipper's armband.

Jones came off the bench against South Africa and led the team against Fiji with Rees rested.

He conceded the last-gasp penalty that allowed the islanders to level the game and immediately accepted the blame, apologising to the squad in the changing room.

Replay evidence suggests that the Ospreys man was unfortunate as he appeared to be bumped off his feet at the crucial ruck by team-mate Stephen Jones.

Edwards has since indicated that the captaincy decision was more about selection.

He said that Jones was "rusty" after his injury problems this season and not guaranteed a place in a competitive back-row where Jonathan Thomas, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Dan Lydiate and (if fit) Sam Warburton are competing for the three starting spots against the All Blacks.

Wales face the world number ones at the Millennium Stadium having won just two Tests in 2010, against Scotland and Italy.

Gatland's side have lost nine of their last 12 matches and have gone six games without a victory.

Highlights - Wales 16-16 Fiji

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