 Wales took a bruising at the Kiwis' hands |
Wales coach Steve Hansen saw his side fall to a record 55-3 defeat against New Zealand in Hamilton. But the Kiwi was so impressed with the form of the All Blacks that he felt Wales did well to hold them to that.
"I've always said that they (New Zealand) are the best side in the world - I think they'll win the World Cup," said Hansen.
"I was proud of the way they (Wales) kept themselves in the game but we were beaten by a far better side - they totally dominated and I thought we did well to hold them as well as we did.
"Fifty-five is a lot of points but it could easily have been 155. "I'm disappointed we didn't go better than we did but this was the first time we'd faced that sort of pressure since I've been in charge."
 Charvis' injury is not as serious as feared |
Hansen, whose record since taking over from Graham Henry now stands at played 19, won four, lost 15, still felt his side could make an impression in Australia in the autumn. "We've just got to go away and get a good rest, then start planning for the World Cup," he said.
Wales' next game is against Ireland in Dublin on 16 August.
Colin Charvis was taken to hospital for observation after his neck injury, but was subsequently cleared of any serious damage. "He (Charvis) has been checked out and we are happy that everything is OK," said Hansen.
"Once he had gone off, we really struggled. He is one of our natural athletes and without him and then without Martyn Williams for 10 minutes, we lost our shape."
MMIX
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