New Zealand coach Graham Henry was full of praise for both the All Blacks and Wales following their entertaining encounter at the Millennium Stadium. Henry, who coached Wales for four years until 2002, said: "It was a huge game. Both teams played exceptionally well.
"I was delighted with the character of our side. There were a lot of young guys playing a game which they will learn a huge amount from and grow from.
"Wales played superbly and both sides were very positive."
Henry added that the backbone of the All Blacks had given him particular satisfaction.
"Our guys could have folded and they didn't. That showed a great amount of togetherness and character," he said.
"But I also felt some sympathy for the Welsh. They will be disappointed - it could have gone either way."
His assistant, former Wales coach Steve Hansen, was also appreciative of the Welsh contribution.
"Since the World Cup they have played in a lot of close Tests," he observed. "Eventually they are going to win some and when they do they will grow immensely in confidence.
"They're not far away from winning that big game and hopefully it will be against England at the start of the Six Nations."
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