Robert Howley created history as he led Wales to a seventh straight victory against Canada - but it was a match that left the scrum-half subdued as his country prepare to face France next weekend.

Twelve months ago such a win over the stubborn tourists would have been heralded as a magnificent achievement, given Welsh rugby's years of disappointment.

But standards and expectations are far higher these days thanks to coach Graham Henry who has transformed his charges from rugby also-rans into potential World Cup finalists.

Captain Howley, whose seventh consecutive win in charge has eclipsed the leadership records of greats Phil Bennett and Mervyn Davies in the 1970s, said Wales will hit the training ground hard during the next few days to sort themselves out.

"There is a lot of hard work to do now in the Welsh camp, and this game has brought us down to earth," he said.

Henry echoed Howley's concern about the team's ring-rustiness after seven weeks without a game.

The New Zealand-born coach said: "We didn't play very well. It's as simple as that. We have no excuses."