Despite the focus on New Zealand’s physical approach against Ireland, the hosts would have won had they been more clinical, according to Jeremy Guscott.
Both flanker Sam Cane and centre Malakai Fekitoa face disciplinary hearings tomorrow for tackles made during the 21-9 loss, and it is understood that the match citing commissioner was sent 11 incidents of possible foul play to review.
New Zealand boss Steven Hansen has said that they will defend Cane's citing, which led to Robbie Henshaw being replaced in the 11th minute, while Fekitoa's charge may be accepted.
While Guscott says that the All Blacks “understand the laws of the game, where the boundaries are, and how the referee might react,” the former England centre says Joe Schmidt’s side would be better off looking inward for the reasons they didn’t back up the historic win in Chicago.
Sean O’Brien and CJ Stander both crossed the try line without touching down, while the Leinster flanker also fumbled the ball with the line at his mercy.
“A couple of tries really did go begging," Guscott told the BBC.
“That is the difference when playing a team with New Zealand's class between winning and losing.
“Ireland showed you can't make any mistakes and have to take every chance.”
The ex-Lions back was full of praise for Ireland, who despite the loss, moved up to fourth in the world rankings.
“It was still an outstanding performance by Ireland, they did better than most teams have done over the past 12 months.
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“It shows me that if you can reach New Zealand's intensity and fitness levels then you can challenge them and Ireland proved it - but they will always struggle to match them when it comes to skill levels.
“Ireland proved worthy opponents and could have won the game in Dublin.
“The hosts saw players forced off and they were deep into their reserves, yet everybody came on and no-one let anyone down - they were superb.”
Ireland host Australia in the final of the November Tests at Lansdowne Road on Saturday at 5.30pm, live on RTÉ2.
