All Blacks coach Ian Foster said that wasn't being seen only in New Zealand but in Australia for the series with England.
"These are the series we want to be part of. There's a lot of excitement, and a lot of that is the respect Ireland have gained with our public for the way they've played. We've known that already, and can't wait for the final contest," he said.
Foster said there was 'massive excitement' about the team because it was a series decider. The week after a loss was always tough, but that didn't stop them being ruthless in their game assessment.
In the end, however, Foster said they had to keep believing in what they were doing, and show that when playing 15 against 15, they had some answers.
"We've just got to get better at it," he said.
Foster said he couldn't wait for the game.
"It's a great examination for us, so we've got to show we're smart and learning as well," he said.
"It's an early litmus test for how we've grown over the last few weeks. We're at a point now where each team has got a big prize at the end of it. That's why you play this game,"
Lock Sam Whitelock is back in the side after a first Test effort that Foster said was one of the best Tests he had seen him play for a couple of years.
But it wasn't only him. It was prop Nepo Laulala coming in after a neck problem, David Havili returning at second five-eighths and Will Jordan on the wing after being out with Covid.
"There's some good experience coming back into the group and Colesy [hooker Dane Coles] is on the bench with the likes of Akira [Ioane] whose foot is coming right, so there is some nice signs there," he said.
Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's selection on the bench was reward for his effort off the park.
"He's settled in well, he's a learner. It's a big occasion for him but we're confident he's done his prep," he said.
On the debate surrounding cards in games, Foster said it had been well-documented they were dominating games. While it wasn't helping the on-field spectacle, he understood the reasons, but he felt it needed a decent debate.
There were discussions behind the scenes on that. But, it was an issue of balance between player welfare, fancentric considerations for the value of contests and the players who prepared to play a game only to have the work disrupted by cards.
The All Blacks had to be responsible with their technique and discipline.
"But, I think there is a wider discussion about where the game is going and do we want to keep seeing contests that are a little bit lop-sided in numbers. Everyone says no, so I think we've got to find a way," he said.