Wales wrote a new chapter in world rugby history when they took on the mighty All Blacks in the very last international match to be played at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

The so called House of Pain hosted New Zealand international games for more than a century so it was an honour for Wales to be chosen to draw down the curtain on its international

WRU TV joined the build-up behind the scenes to ensure Welsh fans can share in the images and atmosphere of a day to remember.

The respect shown to Warren Gatland and his squad was epitomised in a maori powiri which greeted the team as they arrived at the stadium on the squad bus.

The haka like dance emerged from the darkness in a crescendo of noise as captain Ryan Jones was first to step out ahead of his team.

Although to northern hemisphere observers the welcome may appear to be an angry challenge in reality it is an ultimate symbol of courtesy and respect.

One player who revelled in every moment was the Scarlet Tavis Knoyle whose namebadge above his changing room place bore no cap number before kick off.

By the time of the final whistle Knoyle had joined the honoured ranks of Welsh internationals and his ever present smile beamed wider than at any other time.

Just a year ago he still had dual team qualifications and even played for his beloved Glynneath.

His moment was watched by scores of Welsh fans who had travelled the 12,000 miles to cheer on the team.

On the field a superb start failed to lead to a cherished victory but the players proved for some fifty minutes of play that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Dunedin in the far south of New Zealand is as close to the Antarctic as many people will ever go but the rugby welcome given by the home fans was as warm as the game is given around the world.

As WRU President, Dennis Gethin, Chairman, David Pickering and Group Chief Executive, Roger Lewis, watched from the stand a festival atmosphere unfolded before kick off.

When the final whistle was blown the celebrations on the field continued with the legendary former All Black, Jeff Wilson, taking a freshly cut piece of Carisbrook turf away by helicopter to deliver symbolically to the new stadium being built across the city.

Wales may have lost but they will be long remembered in Dunedin and surely welcomed back to continue the rivalry which has helped forge a unique bond between two great rugby nations.