New Zealand coach Graham Henry was delighted following his side's superb 48-18 victory over the Lions in the second Test in Wellington. "We were quite outstanding. It had everything. The Lions played better than they did last week," he said.
"Our guys went up 20%. We were anxious at first but then we played some outstanding football.
"In the second half we just wanted to play and express ourselves. Dan Carter was amazing - he had a great game."
Henry said the main reason for the difference in the sides' playing styles was the extra competitiveness of Super 12.
"It's an athletic game and ideal breeding ground to play this type of rugby," he said.
"It has been criticised but I think people have got to realise that it's great for developing athleticism and skill."
Henry also praised his captain Tana Umaga who has been criticised by the Lions after his part in a tackle that ended Brian O'Driscoll's tour in the first Test.
The former Lions and Wales coach said on Friday he believed Lions media consultant Alastair Campbell was responsible for the strategy.
"I thought the skipper had an outstanding game. I thought he was fabulous," added Henry.
"He put up with a lot rubbish during the week from a person who doesn't know the game, doesn't have an passion for the game, and it was quite disappointing.
"But the character he has shown this week has been outstanding."
 |  I've made slight improvements of reading the game |
All Blacks fly-half Daniel Carter was modest about his achievements despite breaking a scoring record.
Carter scored 33 points, the highest individual total against the Lions - eclipsing the 25 made by Australia's Matt Burke in 2001.
"I'm still learning," said Carter.
"I've made slight improvements of reading the game. These Tests happen a lot quicker, so there's not much room to move."
Overjoyed New Zealand vice-captain Richie McCaw said the controversy surrounding Umaga strengthened the resolve in the squad.
"During the last week we didn't focus on the stuff that went on," he said. "But as a result of that we gelled together and we knew we had to. And to come away with a series win with a Test left to play is pretty good.
"It was one of the toughest match I've ever been involved in.
"We knew the Lions would come out with a different team to the one they came out with last week. They showed that in the first few minutes. "But we knuckled down and to do what we did was awesome."
MMIX
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