All Blacks coach Ian Foster expects Ireland to have gained confidence ahead of their second test against the All Blacks in Dunedin next week despite losing the opener of their three-match series in Auckland.
Foster's side secured a hard-fought 42-19 victory in their Eden Park stronghold last night after falling behind to an early Keith Earl's try, while the All Blacks were forced to endure sustained periods of intense Irish pressure on their tryline.
"They will have had enough glimpses of good moments in that first quarter and particularly in the third quarter and even in the way they finished to walk away with a bit of hope I would've thought," said Foster.
"Whilst I thought we were really ruthless when we scored points, we were put under a lot of pressure and I thought, particularly defensively, I would've just given us a pass mark.
"I thought our goal line stuff was excellent but we really did allow too many opportunities for them to get in behind us.
"They'll be pleased with that. So I think they'll work hard on their phase play."
New Zealand had lost three of their last five meetings against Ireland going into Saturday's test. Foster has also been under growing pressure after the All Blacks were defeated in back-to-back games to close out their 2021 season.
"Good to have a good win under your belt, there's always a little bit of the unknown, but (I) stated beforehand, this series was really big for us," he said.
"I think when you look at the bigger picture, the chance to play a team we've got massive respect for and we know is doing really well the last couple of years and to bring them down here for three in a row is pretty special."
The second test at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium kicks off at 7.05pm on Saturday. Gates open at 5pm.
The third test will be played in Wellington on July 16.
