Wyn Jones wants a reaction as Kiwis show strength in depth
ALUN WYN JONES wants the frustration Wales felt in the aftermath of defeat to the All Blacks to fuel them as they take on South Africa next week.
The home side were only a point behind when Scott Williams grabbed a first-half try and went in only 12-11 down but they had no answer to New Zealand’s power in the second period.
Wyn Jones said: ‘It’s the cliche, we’re fortunate in a way, we’ve got another game to go.
‘Hopefully our frustration will fuel us for next week.’
All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen, meanwhile, believes he will have a very strong pool to pick from next year after watching his young players impress in Cardiff.
Waisake Naholo and 20-yearold Rieko Ioane both claimed try doubles, while substitute centre Anton Lienert-Brown also touched down and fly-half Beauden Barrett kicked four conversions.
When asked about the main positive he will take from 2017, Hansen said: ‘We’ve exposed an extra 14 or 15 players to All Black rugby that we weren’t expecting to do because of the injuries and the unfortunate personal things that have happened.
‘And those kids have stood up and worn the jersey with a lot of pride and a lot of skill.
‘So come next year we’re going to have a very good squad to have to pick from.”
Ioane, who was named man of the match, said: ‘To play the Welsh at home for the first time was something special and something that I won’t forget.
‘It’s been a season of ups and downs but we’re happy with how we ended. We wanted to end the year on a win and we did that.’