On paper it was the same old story for Wales against a southern hemisphere big gun but in reality it was one of their most enterprising approaches to a game for some time.
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Hansen credited all 32 members of his squad for the win over Wales, noting the “massive” impact of the eight players who came off the bench and the nine who were not required for duty.
Wales produced comfortably their best display since their agonising last-gasp loss to South Africa in Nelspruit two years ago.
Discipline was good and at times they rattled the All Blacks and forced them into errors.
But as they do so often, the All Blacks came back in the final 20 minutes, scoring three tries to make the win look far more comfortable than it was.
“Whilst the opposition might believe that we’re vulnerable because it’s our first Test and we have lost some experienced players, we don’t have that mindset”, said All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen.
Wales team practice ahead of Tuesday night’s game. New Zealand hit back with tries to wingers Julian Savea and Naholo to lead 15-5 after 17 minutes.
New captain Kieran Read did admit his side “feels a little bit different” after talismanic skipper Richie McCaw and several other senior players retired from Test rugby after the World Cup final.
Dan Biggar was to the fore as Wales completed preparations for the formidable task that awaits them in Auckland tomorrow.
And with just 11 minutes on the clock, Wales scored the first try of the day through Taulupe Faletau. With the All Blacks down 15-18, every mistake was magnified by the visitors’ pressure, so his success at defusing the bomb was imperative and led to Cruden’s from penalty between the posts.
Traditionally slow starters to an worldwide season, they again showed signs of rust, but their ability to finish strongly proved decisive.
Here’s what Warren Gatland’s had to say at his press conference…
The Welsh face the invidious personal record of not having beaten the All Blacks in 63 years, while they will also become part of the collective effort to end New Zealand’s 21-year winning streak at the Auckland stadium.
The first Test was said to be Wales’ golden shot.
While their replacements aren’t yet of that calibre, Aaron Cruden – who will wear Carter’s No 10 jersey – has a deep reservoir of test experience and centres Malikai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty are skilful, though their partnership is green.
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Rob Evans, Scott Baldwin and Tomas Francis have been named in the front-row, with Jake Ball partnering Charteris in the second-row.
