Kidney not taking heart from defeat

Declan Kidney refused to take solace in an encouraging performance after Ireland were defeated 38-18 by New Zealand.

A passionate display full of endeavour subjected the All Blacks to a difficult evening at Aviva Stadium yet the Irish were still well beaten.

It was a well-timed confidence booster after struggling against South Africa and Samoa earlier this autumn, but Kidney could not look beyond the outcome.

“We judge ourselves on results so we’re extremely disappointed that we lost to 20 points,” said the head coach.

“We got a brilliant crowd and a dry day, the last two games have been in the rain and we had to learn how to play those conditions.

“There were things that happened today that were in our own control to fix and we need to do that so that we don’t lose by 20 points again.

“We need to hang on to the ball a bit better. I wouldn’t argue with their finishing being the difference.

“We know that we’re getting better but we still have a lot to do.”

Stephen Ferris and Brian O’Driscoll crossed for Ireland but the All Blacks were more ruthless with Kieran Read scoring two tries and Anthony Boric and Sam Whitelock also touching down.

Number eight Jamie Heaslip shared his coach’s feeling of disappointment.

“It was frustrating at times. We made some mistakes in a 15-minute period when they showed how efficient they are,” he said.

“We created a lot of chances and put them under pressure. We were our own worst enemy at times. The scoreline doesn’t reflect the game.

“If we want to win the World Cup then we have got to beat them and we do that by worrying about ourselves more than them.”

Ireland enter their final match of the autumn against Argentina next Sunday with a lengthy injury list to contend with.

Hooker Rory Best requires an operation on his cheekbone, centre Brian O’Driscoll needs an x-ray on his shoulder, Rob Kearney and Luke Fitzgerald will undergo knee scans while Gordon D’Arcy and Tommy Bowe have tight calves.

New Zealand coach Graham Henry paid tribute to Ireland’s performance and admitted the All Blacks had endured a difficult evening.

“That was a highly competitive game, both sides played well. The Irish put a lot of pressure on us and played exceptionally well,” he said.

“I was pleased with the way our guys responded to that

“We have a lot of respect for Ireland. It’s always a difficult game and they took us on, opening us up in a number of occasions.

“A year ago we thought they were real comers and we were concerned by the progress they were making.

“They have some very good players and can build on this performance.”

Henry oversaw his 100th victory and skipper Richie McCaw, who alongside Mils Muliaina became the most capped All Black on 93 Test, hailed his coach’s contribution.

“That record speaks for itself. The passion and desire you see from the players comes from him,” he said.

McCaw added: “We expected a tough game today. Both teams had a couple of Tests, were in the groove and came to play.”