McCaw points to added grind

New Zealand captain says his team did well to keep the lead

New Zealand captain Richie McCaw admitted his side were again knocked out of rhythm during the 27-17 win over Ireland on Saturday.

The All Black captain also admitted that his team were a little too adventurous in the adverse weather conditions.

"It was a real old test and we had to grind it out," McCaw told New Zealand television immediately after the game.
 
"To Ireland's credit they fought back and put us under pressure. We perhaps tried to play a bit of footy in our own half near the break.
 
"We tried not to put the ball out, we wanted to put them under pressure in their own half. But on nights like tonight, when it's a bit slippery at lineout time, it makes it difficult.
 
"I thought the last two weeks we've scrummed pretty well. We got a couple of turnovers there as well."