New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen had mixed emotions after the 33-10 victory over Wales in Cardiff.
The All Blacks silenced the Millennium Stadium with a clinical first half that saw them move 23-0 ahead, and only the sin-binning of Cory Jane provided the hosts with any momentum whatsoever.
But Hansen believes better will be required when he takes his side to face England at Twickenham next weekend.
"We put them under a lot of pressure but then of course got Cory (Jane) in the sin-bin (for a deliberate knock-on) and we lost our control and shape for some time - which allowed them to come running back at us," he said.
"But we can't afford to get ahead of ourselves and if we don't prepare in genuine fashion England will give us a thumping next week. However, we'll enjoy this success and start again on Monday."
Hansen was coy on an ugly incident involving his hooker Andrew Hore early on in the clash.
Citing commissioner Mike Rafter is expected to take action after the visiting hooker aimed a punch at Bradley Davies from behind - forcing the lock out of the game.
"I haven't seen it so I'm not going to get too carried away - but I saw him hooking Bradley Davies out of the way. How he did it we'll have to look at on the video," said Hansen.
Captain and flanker Richie McCaw, man-of-the-match after another dominant display at the breakdown, credited Wales with not buckling.
"They fronted up. It was a good physical battle and one of the more physical I've been involved in for a while," he said.
"They stuck to their guns, but we didn't help by giving them some ball to attack with.
"But to win by 23 points in a place like this is a great result."
McCaw will lead his side, on a 20-match unbeaten streak, against England next weekend before stepping down from international rugby for a six-month sabbatical.
"It'll be my last game until the middle of next year," he said. "Physically it's not so much a problem, but I need to freshen up because I've been on the treadmill a bit.
"When I get back I'll carry on playing as long as I can."
Comments
Isograford says...
Yup, agreed...the game was over as a contest and the AB's put on the reserves which always seem to upset the rhythm and took their foot off the throat. It's not great but then when you're 33 points up, i suppose it's a subconscious thing.
Thought Wales would do better honestly, and not taking those early shots at goal was, well...naive. You take the points when they're there.
Posted 23:41 25th November 2012
melkdave says...
Not surprised Hansen wants more ,the ABs won the game early then just coasted ,imo if they had gone for it they could have put 60+ on Wales quite easily ,and im of welsh heritage so dont like them losing ,except to England lol.
Posted 14:49 25th November 2012