All Blacks aiming for 'another level' in second Ireland test

Thomson Reuters

The All Blacks are preparing for another brutal contest in the second test against Ireland and are looking for an improvement on their performance in the 42-19 victory in the series opener, flyhalf Beauden Barrett said on Monday.

The breakdown and the defence have been identified as areas where the team can take a step up, Barrett said, after Ireland won the early collisions and scored three tries at Eden Park.

"We want to take our game to another level and we have already identified many areas to get better," Barrett said in Dunedin.

"Obviously, there were some missed opportunities out there on the weekend. And although it was our first go at it, we would like to improve a lot."

Backs David Havili, Jack Goodhue and Will Jordan have returned to the camp with coach Ian Foster and two of his assistants after they were all forced to isolate last week following positive Covid-19 tests.

"It's great to see them back, it was a tough week for those individuals but we're almost back to full strength," Barrett said.

"It just means we can have a good training week. Last week we were a little bit down on numbers and had to bring people in."

Ireland have never beaten the All Blacks on New Zealand soil, but Barrett said he expects Andy Farrell's side to raise their game for the second of three matches in the series.

"They're such a proud side," Barrett said.

"They'll raise their intent because it's do-or-die, the series is on the line this weekend. We know they're coming so we need to rise as well. We're getting prepared for another brutal test.

"We know they're going to respond and so do we. We need to be better too."