Ringrose: Improving All Blacks will ask even more questions

The talk this week will be how much can Ireland improve in order to try and land a first win on New Zealand soil, but Garry Ringrose is well aware that, ominously, the hosts can also perform better in Dunedin.

The All Blacks eased to a 42-19 victory last Saturday, a four-try blitz in the second half of the opening period laying the foundations for a win after Andy Farrell's side had made a bright start at Eden Park.

Ringrose was among the Irish scorers on the night, but while the scoreline reflected the damage the hosts can inflict given even just half opportunities, the Leinster centre isn’t giving up on an unlikely Test series, or a historic win, just yet.

"We’re in New Zealand trying to do something special," he told RTÉ Sport. "We didn’t do it on Saturday, but we have a chance to do it this weekend."

Ireland forwards coach Paul O’Connell described the manner of defeat as "frustrating and disappointing", with the men in green often architects of their own downfall.

Both he, and head coach Andy Farrell have spoken about needing to improve in order to compete, but Ringrose knows that it won’t just be the visitors seeking an increase in performance.

"I’m sure they (New Zealand) will dissect us and find weaknesses they didn’t get a chance to expose in the game.

"For us, trying to think a step ahead and review our game in details, so we can see where we can get better as well as the areas they did expose us in.

"Equally, we have got to try and find things that we missed in game.

"It’s all hands on deck this week with plenty of work to do."

Ireland are continuing to train in North Harbour Stadium, Auckland before travelling to Dunedin on Wednesday ahead of the second Test at the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

Stuart McCloskey arrived in New