THE WAIT goes on for a win against the All Blacks but Wales pushed them to the limit before going down 19-12 at the Millennium Stadium this evening.

With 15 minutes left it looked like it would be a carbon copy of 2008, when New Zealand blew Warren Gatland's side away after trailing at the break.

The All Blacks led 19-6 and Wales looked ragged with players breathing hard.

But led by the immense Ryan Jones they somehow dragged themselves back into it and the visitors were forced into scrambling defence at the death.

The teams were tied at 6-6 at the break after fly-half Stephen Jones and opposite number Dan Carter had knocked over a pair of penalties each.

Defences ruled in the first half but if anything it was the All Blacks who looked the more threatening despite Carter, who played despite a week of speculation over his right calf, being far from his best.

However, the All Blacks looked a different side after the break and were straight on the attack with their back three jinking, offloading and threatening.

Carter booted his third penalty but Wales clung in with skipper Jones huge in attack and defence.

However, the inspirational number eight could do nothing to stop hooker Andrew Hore barging over in the corner on 56 minutes, Carter adding to the pain with a marvellous touchline conversion.

New Zealand scented blood and outside centre Conrad Smith, who cut some terrific lines in midfield, was only denied a second try when Shane Williams got beneath him over the line.

Backed by a vociferous crowd, the Welsh defence was incredible with wave after wave of attacks by the Kiwis repelled.

But the visitors were happy to inch away and Carter booted another penalty to make it 19-6 with 15 minutes left.

Not that Wales were giving up the ghost and Jones booted another pair of penalties, sandwiching a high hit on Martin Roberts by Dan Carter that had the crowd in uproar.

Suddenly the deficit had been narrowed to seven points and the greatest of comebacks looked on when Alun Wyn Jones intercepted deep inside his own half but wing Zac Guildford got back to rescue his side on debut.

And the chance was gone when a line-out five metres out was snaffled by the All Blacks at the death.

See Monday's Argus for a full report and reaction.