Beauden Barrett said it felt like New Zealand were running into a red brick wall after they became the first All Blacks side to lose to Wales since 1953.
Steve Tandy’s men created history with a 35-28 victory at Principality Stadium thanks to a stirring defensive effort.
Wales scored five tries – a national record against New Zealand – but it was their effort without the ball that ended a 34-game losing streak against the All Blacks.
The home side made 346 tackles, with lock Dafydd Jenkins topping the chart with 38, and held the New Zealanders up over the line three times in the second half to protect their seven-point lead.
“It felt like a brick wall at times, so you have to give them credit,” said full-back Barrett, who captained New Zealand in a Test for the first time.
“You give opportunities for the crowd to come into the game, and we are well aware of that when we come here.
“That’s why it’s one of the best places to play rugby – it feels like you are playing 16 or 17.”
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