Coach Andy Farrell believes Ireland are much closer to the All Blacks than the 19-point margin at Eden Park suggests.
However, he admitted his side’s uncharacteristic errors proved costly as they succumbed to a 40-21 Nations Championship defeat to Dave Rennie’s side on Saturday.
“I think the two sides are certainly closer than that and I suppose the only thing that matters is how both teams keep on improving over the next 15 months,” he said.
“We are full of pride because of the fight, but we are disappointed with how it unfolded in accuracy over a few parts of our game.”
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Ireland struggled to build any attacking rhythm, with handling errors and poor execution repeatedly stalling promising opportunities.
“It’s uncharacteristic really because it is something that you do not see, certainly on a daily basis, but that is what big matches do to you and that is a lesson that has got to be learned, that’s for sure.
“Whether it be passing into touch or intercept passing or whatever, the flow of our game never really got going.”
Despite the disappointing result, Farrell took encouragement from Ireland’s response after the break, with the visitors matching the All Blacks for long periods in the second half.
“But how we struck at it and kept on fighting is there for everyone to see,” he said.
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Farrell, meanwhile, declined to be drawn on whether All Blacks flanker Luke Jacobson should have received a red card instead of a yellow for a dangerous cleanout on Josh van der Flier.
“There were incidents all over the field tonight that you could talk about and we are not able to do that, so I will pass on that one,” he said.
– AFP
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
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Coach Andy Farrell believes Ireland are much closer to the All Blacks than the 19-point margin at Eden Park suggests.
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