Eddie O'Sullivan believes he was justified in being confident ahead of Ireland's loss to the All Blacks on Saturday morning, but admits the team has plenty of work to do before next Saturday's second Test in Auckland's Eden Park.

O'Sullivan talked up Ireland's chances in the lead-up to the match in Hamilton and very nearly came away with a historic victory over their illustrious hosts.

But O'Sullivan was quick to concede there was still work to be done if they are to be in with a chance of grasping a win when the two teams meet again in a week.

"I think we were accused of being confident this week - but we justified it with the performance we gave," O'Sullivan said after the 34-23 defeat.

"Our plan is to get better and we'll have to be better. We're disappointed about not getting the result, but we'll be back on the horse on Monday and get on with it, and kick on for the second Test."

Ireland came agonisingly close to bringing an end to 101 years of pain against New Zealand, but the home side held on to ensure the record remained intact.

O'Sullivan believes Ireland's scrum needs to strengthen against the infamous All Blacks pack, but he was impressed with the way his team withstood Saturday's onslaught.

"I think we weren't aggressive in the engagement," he said. "But as the game went on I don't think there was a massive difference in the scrum and it evened up and we weren't under the same pressure.

"We knew they would go after us there, and they did, but having said that, it wasn't as destructive in that sense. We were under pressure but were able to perform."