Flying out of Chicago on the evening of their win, the All Blacks could reflect on the depth of ability in their squad, despite early injury changes, and also on a level of patience and composure in seeing out frustrations before taking charge in the fourth quarter.
Coach Scott Robertson said the final quarter was an example of what the team is capable of achieving.
"There are parts of the game we have to find ways of speeding it up so that people can enjoy our game."
Robertson said it is a game of flow and instinct. And they needed to help the referees so that fatigue could become a factor in opening up the game and allowing people to enjoy the type of rugby they played in the last 20 minutes?
"That's a challenge for us."
Robertson said the Test had a bit of everything.
"We couldn't execute enough in that first half. We got into their 22m area four times, but we gave up a few lineouts and lost a couple of Barretts [captain and lock Scott and second five-eighths Jordie].
"We got back into that second half and held the ball for long periods and put the pressure back on them, so it was good.
"It was great to get some flow and we're pleased that everyone stepped up."
Scott Barrett suffered a deep laceration below his knee, while Jordie Barrett has a high ankle injury, which is to be scanned after the team arrives in Edinburgh.
Robertson also acknowledged the bench's impact in the final quarter.
"They came on and did their jobs."
Josh Lord played all but five minutes at lock while Leicester Fainga'anuku replaced Jordie Barrett in the midfield to play 65 minutes and played a key role in the All Blacks' first try.
"Josh got straight into calling lineouts and backed himself a couple of times. He got a couple picked off him, but kept trusting himself and then picked a few off them. He can clean rucks. He's six foot nine and learning quickly.
"I'm pleased for them both. They have got great engines and are getting better at their craft."
The control achieved by the All Blacks scrum was also pleasing.
"We love a scrum and it was refereed clearly and legally. It's a real strength of ours, starting or finishing. That's the exciting part whoever comes on and does their job. A couple of key turning points were there and we got off our back fence on it. Cam [Roigard] scored one off the back of a beautiful scrum as well."
Robertson said he has been pleased with the manner in which Roigard has returned to the side.
"He's got a great boot, he controls the game well, he holds his feet and it's good to have him playing some footy consistently. We were up to six halfbacks for a while. He's a Test footballer and he's right at the top of his game. We're pleased for him."
Flanker Ardie Savea, who led the side from Scott Barrett's departure at the start of the match, said the All Blacks struggled to find their groove as a result of the pressure Ireland applied.
"Once we got into the right areas of the field and held the ball, we got our ball carriers in the game and started to feel a bit of flow and gained momentum. That's a credit to the lads to be able to do that and score some points."
Savea said having to assume the captaincy was expected of him under the circumstances.
"When one brother falls down, one steps up. I was just out there doing my job for the boys and the team, I've done it plenty of times."
Having been on the field in Chicago in 2016 when the All Blacks lost to Ireland for the first time, Savea said he ended up on the wing then, and it was nice to come off the field this time having achieved a win.
He scored the All Blacks' first try, although he was worried he might have stepped out.
