New Zealand 42 Wales 9:Daniel Carter returned to his sparkling best by scoring 27 points in New Zealand's comprehensive victory over Wales in an emotionally charged match at Carisbrook.
Carter scored two tries, one from 40 metres out as he challenged and taunted defenders, while he slotted 17 points with his boot as he displayed the kind of form that appeared to desert him during the recent Super 14 season.
Keven Mealamu, Cory Jane and Richard Kahui also scored tries for the All Blacks, whose forwards were challenged in the first half but played at a higher tempo and took advantage as their opponents wilted in the second half.
Stephen Jones slotted a dropgoal and a penalty, while Leigh Halfpenny converted a long-range penalty for the visitors, who have not beaten the All Blacks since 1953.
"In the second half our defence forced some turnovers and we really capitalised on them," All Blacks captain Richie McCaw said afterwards. "They put some heat on us but I think every man stood up tonight."
The match was the last test to be held at the ground, known by locals as "The House of Pain", with a new stadium being built in central Dunedin that is expected to be completed in time for the city's three World Cup matches next year.
Wales dominated the early exchanges, retaining possession and hammering the All Blacks' defensive line but their only reward was from a Jones dropgoal and a long-range penalty by winger Halfpenny.
The home side responded and while they were guilty of forcing too many passes in the tackle, the tactic paid dividends when Melamau scored after scrumhalf Jimmy Cowan had taken a quick tap penalty and laid the ball back for the hooker to drive over.
Carter converted and added a penalty to give the home side a 10-6 lead before winger Cory Jane pounced on a loose ball from a Wales attacking ruck and scampered 70 metres to give the home side a 15-6 lead.
Jones slotted another penalty to make it 15-9, though he could have reduced the gap further by halftime had his late penalty attempt not drifted wide of the left upright.
The All Blacks then dominated the second half as the Welsh were unable to sustain their intensity of the first 40 minutes.
Carter scored his first try, which he sparked from 95 metres out as the All Blacks swept downfield after Joe Rokocoko's initial burst, before he dotted down for another after he ran from 40 metres continuously teasing defenders.
Richard Kahui also took advantage of the tiring Welsh defence when he ran untouched for 45 metres. Carter was replaced after he slotted the conversion.
"We faced a very good All Blacks side who capitalised on every mistake we made," Wales captain Ryan Jones said. "We had our backs against the wall and we got punished for large parts of that second half."