Heaslip admits speed gap between Ireland and All Blacks

Jamie Heaslip has conceded that Ireland could not deal with the devastating pace of New Zealand’s play after their 42-10 defeat in the first Test at Eden Park.

The Irish number eight felt costly turnovers combined with the All Blacks’ lethal line speed were the deciding factors in New Zealand’s handsome victory.

“The goal, the thing that everyone is chasing, is quick ball,” said Heaslip.

“Their forwards provided a great launching platform with quick ball off that. With Dan (Carter) pulling the strings, they have really good guys that can hit it up in the middle as well as really good finishers with outstanding pace.

He added: “If those guys can get consistent, quick ball it puts your defensive system under pressure. You know, it was kind of hard, it was very quick at times out there and that’s hard to defend against.”

Ireland started off the first Test with some exciting, running rugby of their own but they were often repelled backwards and, in turn, spilled balls that the All Blacks pounced on.

“I think holding on to the ball rather than turning it over is the best way to play the game,” Heaslip remarked.

“When we held on to it I think that we posed some questions and made some inroads in their defence, when he got reasonably quick ball. However, when it slowed right down, their line was set and it was hard to break it down.”

Meanwhile the IRFU has said there are three main injury updates of note from the Ireland match 22.

Cian Healy suffered a shoulder strain during the game, but has improved over the last 24 hours and will continue to be monitored during training this week.

Declan Fitzpatrick suffered a gluteal muscle strain and will also be monitored during the week.

Neither player has been ruled out of selection for the second test.

The only injury that has ruled any player out of contention for the Christchurch test match is to Keith Earls. Keith picked up a pectoral muscle injury in the later stages of the game and will not be available for selection but will be continued to be monitored by the medical staff for his availability for the second test.

The Ireland squad also underwent their recovery session on Takapuna Beach on Auckland's North Shore this morning.