Wales had to buckle under pressure, says triumphant Steve Hansen
All Blacks race away in final 10 minutes as mighty defensive effort takes its toll on hosts; while Ireland edge Australia, England defeat Samoa and Argentina beat France
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Wales defended with such intensity it was inevitable that they wilted late on in falling to a 34-16 defeat by New Zealand on Saturday, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said.
The world champions were matched for 65 minutes by a fired-up Wales at the Millennium Stadium in the final match of their northern hemisphere tour before pulling away.
It’s called a test match because it’s a test of both your physical and mental attributes
Wales, who have not beaten their southern hemisphere foes since 1953, led 16-15 when Leigh Halfpenny slotted over his third penalty on 67 minutes, but Beauden Barrett’s first of two tries two minutes later turned the game New Zealand’s way.
Hansen said the hosts, buoyed by fervent support, could not possibly sustain their high energy levels for 80 minutes.
Responding to fellow New Zealander and Wales coach Warren Gatland’s assertion that Wales had his side rattled at times, Hansen said: "I don’t know if we were rattled but certainly tested".
Praising the home team’s display as "the best defensive effort against us this year", former Wales coach Hansen said composure under pressure proved the difference.