Ma'a Nonu scores for the All Blacks despite the presence of Ireland's Robert Kearney. Photo / Getty Images
There were as many frustrations as there were positives, was coach Graham Henry's assessment of the All Black performance at Croke Park.
The commitment of the defence and the tenacity of the forwards were the most pleasing factors, while the number of penalties conceded and the inability to
finish were the downsides.
"We are pleased with the result," said Henry. "The guys played with some tempo and they dominated things pretty well. But there was some frustration there. We had a number of opportunities that we didn't finish.
"A good result but some frustrations involved as well. I thought the defence was excellent."
Henry was in no doubt that referee Mark Lawrence had applied the law correctly when he awarded a penalty try on the stroke of halftime.
There was widespread bemusement in the stadium at the awarding of the try, but Henry couldn't see there was anything else the referee could do.
Captain Richie McCaw labelled the score as critical as did his opposite, Brian O'Driscoll, who felt his side, "would have had more spring in their step," if it hadn't been awarded.
"I think any try just before halftime has an influence on the game," said Henry. "But the second half territorially was a dominant display. Sitiveni [Sivivatu] was pretty unlucky under the sticks and Ali Williams was the same. There were a couple of opportunities that could have gone the other way so I guess everything balances out.
"The try before halftime, the referee just applied the law. It was a good thing for us at the time, obviously."
With both Tony Woodcock and Conrad Smith limping off, there are injury concerns ahead of the Welsh game.
Smith has aggravated a long-standing groin injury that can often flare and then settle just as quickly. Woodcock has damaged his lower back but Henry said it was too early to tell how badly, although the indication was that it would not be too serious.
