Wales showed signs of steady improvement under coach Steve Hansen's steely gaze, but perhaps the most notable event was number eight Scott Quinnell's retirement from Test rugby after winning 52 caps.

Quinnell quit following the Canada game, which was Wales' third successive November win as they prepared to meet the mighty All Blacks.

Wales trailed just 22-17 at the end of 80 minutes, but 21 points in injury time enabled New Zealand to record an emphatic victory, although Hansen could still take great heart from displays by several promising newcomers, notably centre Sonny Parker, lock Robert Sidoli and flanker Dafydd Jones.

Wales (beat Romania 40-3, November 1, Wrexham): R Williams; M Jones, Shanklin, Parker, G Thomas; N Jenkins, Peel; G Jenkins, Davies, Madden, Sidoli, S Williams, Owen, Charvis (capt), Quinnell.

Scorers: Tries - M Jones, Quinnell, G Thomas, penalty try; penalties - N Jenkins (4); conversions - N Jenkins (4).

Wales (beat Fiji 58-14, November 9, Cardiff): R Williams; M Jones, Shanklin, Parker, G Thomas; S Jones, Peel; I Thomas, Davies, Evans, Sidoli, Llewellyn, D Jones, M Williams, Charvis (capt).

Scorers: Tries - M Jones (2), R Williams, Parker, Charvis, G Thomas, penalty try; penalties - S Jones (5); conversions - S Jones (3), Harris (rep).

Wales (beat Canada 32-21, November 16, Cardiff): R Williams; M Jones, Robinson, Parker, G Thomas; S Jones, Peel; I Thomas, McBryde, Evans, Cooper, Llewellyn, D Jones, M Williams, Charvis (capt).

Scorers: Tries - McBryde, Robinson; penalties - S Jones (6); conversions - S Jones (2).

Wales (lost to New Zealand 43-17, November 23, Cardiff): R Williams; M Jones, Robinson, Parker, G Thomas; S Jones, Peel; I Thomas, McBryde, Evans, Sidoli, Llewellyn, D Jones, M Williams, Charvis (capt).

Scorers: Tries - Robinson, penalty try; penalty - S Jones; conversions - S Jones, Harris (rep).