San Francisco Frontiers - Skipper Sheehan urges higher level from beaten Ireland

A fluctuating season ended on a low for the Irish, well beaten 40-21 by New Zealand in Auckland on Saturday to suffer their first loss of the Nations Championship.

It ended a six-game winning streak since another heavy defeat, against France in their opening Six Nations match in February.

They also suffered losses to New Zealand and South Africa last November.

Sheehan was disappointed they once again couldn't lift to a higher level against elite opponents, particularly after having set a target to end New Zealand's 32-year unbeaten record at Eden Park.

"A bit frustrated because we were really pumped up coming into this game, the opportunity to play on Eden Park was one that I don't know if we will ever get back," Sheehan said, reflecting on a season-ending tour that also included wins over Australia and Japan.

"It's probably not the season that we really wanted. We saw improvements at times but if we want to be serious about going on and really pushing world rugby standards we need to be better."

"We need to make sure we're reflecting properly and get ourselves in the right mindset to attack the next season."

Ireland were missing a handful of injured first choice players for the tour, including regular skipper Caelan Doris.

Sheehan said that was no excuse and hoped they can learn from defeat and rebound in Nations Championship Tests in Dublin in November, against Argentina, Fiji and South Africa.

"The calibre of player we have is unbelievable, the amount of experience we have, we just need to get it out of each other and it's not an easy process," he said.

"It's a massive year coming up, exciting times so we really just need to dig in. We have a bit of improving to do to get there."

N.Wilson--SFF