Wales coach Warren Gatland praises squad's spirit amid test series defeat to New Zealand
HEAD COACH Warren Gatland hailed the never-say-die attitude of his Wales side after witnessing their 36-22 defeat to New Zealand.
Warren Gatland's Wales face New Zealand in the final test of the series next week
The All Blacks wrapped up the three Test series with a game to spare by winning in Wellington.
Much like last week, Wales were well in the contest at half-time. New Zealand struck through Israel Dagg after Dan Biggar had landed a penalty to put them in front.
Alun Wyn Jones dotted down at the corner on the stroke of half-time, before Biggar converted from the touchline to level the scores at 10-10 at the break, but the world champions went on to score 26 unanswered points to make sure they clinched the three-match series with a game to spare.
"They tried to create some tempo in the last 20 minutes, but we were the ones who kept playing."
Gatland handed Rhys Patchell a first test start and the Kiwi coach was happy with the fly-half's performance.
He said: "I was pleased with the way Rhys went. There were a couple of things defensively that he can work on. He showed some nice pace in that wide channel."
New Zealand: Tries Dagg, B Smith, Barrett, Naholo, Savea. Cons Cruden, Barrett (3). Pens Cruden.
Wales: Tries Jones, Williams, Davies. Cons Biggar (2). Pens Biggar.