Donnacha Ryan played in the 40-29 win and told The Irish Times that the side's preparation for the historic contest was poor.
"We went into camp, and I think we trained on the Monday and Tuesday we flew over. Thursday, we had booked a training pitch, but unfortunately, for whatever reason, the pitch was destroyed, so we couldn't really train on it, as it was full of rocks. So, we went back to the car park and did a clarity session."
Ryan is now an assistant coach to former team-mate Ronan O'Gara with La Rochelle in France's Top 14 competition.
He said the Ireland team absorbed the atmosphere surrounding the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series baseball title after coming back from 1-3 down to Cleveland to achieve a win after 108 years. Ireland had been waiting 111 years for their first win over the All Blacks.
"We were well aware of what we needed to do. The atmosphere from Chicago winning the World Series [was amazing], but there are loads of Irish there too. Before the game it was incredible."
Ireland had got close several times to beating the All Blacks, and while many recalled the occasion when second five-eighths Ryan Crotty's injury-time try denied them in 2013, Ryan remembered 2012 in Christchurch.
"We let that slip away. I firmly believe, and I know it is easy to say it now, but we literally had them on the rack."
While there were games when they had a chance, there were occasions when the All Blacks would get some belief, or Ireland would have a moment of doubt, that were enough to change the momentum.
The All Blacks were down by 17 points at halftime in Chicago, but got back to 29-33 down before a try to back Robbie Henshaw five minutes from time assured Ireland of its victory.
"I was incredibly lucky to be part of it. And it goes to show you the prep wasn't what it was supposed to be during the week, but the group was very tight."
Meanwhile, 43-cap New Zealand-born halfback Jamison Gibson-Park, 33, is looking forward to another Test against his countrymen.
He told the BBC, "It's always one I want to be a part of, and I love coming up against those guys.
"It dates back to my childhood. You guys are probably the same, the brotherly rivalry, it is a bit like that. I played against lots of these guys when I was younger, so I get that feel. This one will be no different."
Gibson-Park's first game against the All Blacks was in November 2021, when Ireland beat them 29-20.
"It was strange. I thought I was ready for it, but when you go out there in the moment, it hits you pretty hard.
"Strange, but pretty awesome. It was pretty special to face the haka and have the anthems."
