New Zealand coach Steve Hansen praised England following their 38-21 victory over his side at Twickenham on Saturday.
The All Blacks recovered from a virus picked up in mid-week but were second best against England at Twickenham, but Hansen remained proud of his players for a fantastic year.
"England should be very proud of what they achieved," he said.
"We tested them and they responded. I know we've fallen over today but eventually our boys should reflect on what happened this year and be proud of what they've achieved.
"Dan [Carter] trained and kicked well, although he missed a couple that normally you would think he'd get. I don't think you can use his injury as an excuse, we just got beaten by a better side.
"I find it interesting that everyone is surprised. This is a good England side and people should back them. It won't be plain sailing all the time and if you back them, they will get better.
"Two teams were capable of winning the Rugby World Cup out there. We will go away and work out where we can get better.
England captain Richie McCaw ruled out that the bug New Zealand picked up in the week had an effect, stating that despite the loss the All Blacks should be proud of what they have achieved in 2012.
"I don't think the sickness was a factor," he revealed.
"I felt fine in that department. They kept the scoreboard ticking over and apart from that period when we scored we were on the back foot."
McCaw is now set to take a six-month sabbatical from the sport and admitted his frustration at going out on a losing note.
"It's going to be disappointing there's no doubt," he said.
"But you can't do anything about it right now and when the boys do get over it, we'll come back next year and there will be something to remind us what it's all about, which is a small positive for next year. Once you get past today, it hasn't been a bad year.
"England will get better from this experience and they're going to be a good team. The more you play the more you understand what it takes to win consistently."
Comments
bigb6969 says...
NZ in the last 12 months won home series 3-0, swept Rugby Championship, did not lose a Bledisloe test, remained No1 in the world, lost one game (11.5 out of 13).Success rate 88.46% this calendar.
I'll just run with that....
Posted 19:01 01st December 2012
bigb6969 says...
Momentum ? ,
It's a funny thing feel a bit flat but not upset. When the NZ cricket team beat Australia in a test last year, the first time in 20 years I didn't care everything else was pants that year.
I am sure this is a shot in the arm for England winning against a virus hit, tired AB team on their home turf, with Clancy the Clown as ref.
Look back at the last 12 months, England did not win the 6 nations, did not win a single test in South Africa, did not break into the top 4 of the rankings. They have failed in every target they were aiming for, but one win against the All Blacks and they into the summer happy ! (Am I being churlish ?)
Posted 18:55 01st December 2012
caramba13 says...
Fair play Ritchie ... to keep a straight face and talk down the stomach bug while your mates are all recovering from a debilitating few days puking is being more English than the English. England will now lose their first match in the 6N ...
Posted 18:07 01st December 2012