OPINION: As the dust settles on the All Blacks' historic series defeat to Ireland, players and coaching staff must take a long, hard look at themselves in the mirror, with the remainder of the international season stretching out before them - and a World Cup looming next year.
Normally, the July series is an opportunity for southern hemisphere teams, coming off Super Rugby campaigns, to beat up on their northern visitors, but that certainly hasn't been the case this year, especially for New Zealand.
Ian Foster now faces the dubious distinction of holding the worst winning percentage of any All Blacks coach in the World Cup era, and despite saying all the right things and seemingly dominating the opening test, his players have not delivered on their promises.
Their next appointment comes against world champions South Africa on their home track in less than a month, with very little time to turn things around.
If Foster is still in charge, he may be forced to think outside the square with his selections - including captaincy - with a possible leadership candidate one of the few to stand out in the Wellington defeat.
1-George Bower 5
Barely sighted with ball in hand, made eight tackles and provided a solid scrum foundation. Eventually replaced by Karl Tu'inukuafe in the 72nd minute.
2-Codie Taylor 4
Another forgettable performance, with the Irish picking off his lineout throws almost at will. Overthrew one badly (resulting in a knock-on, like Dunedin) and another was crooked.
Was also trapped in possession in a defensive maul, a turnover that put his side under big pressure. Replaced by Dane Coles in the 61st minute, but probably should have gone sooner.
3-Nepo Laulala 3
Mixed night, which saw him return for an encore, when replacement Ofa Tuungafasi lasted only a few minutes. Was marginally better second time round with a dodgy knee, made 10 tackles, but missed an important one in Ireland's opening raid and forced an ill-advised forward pass inside his 22 that led to an Irish try.
4-Brodie Retallick 5
His night ended in the 51st minute with a head clash that reduced Ireland to 14 men, just when he was at the forefront of the All Blacks comeback. Provided a big lineout target, but knocked on to put his side under defensive pressure.
5-Sam Whitelock 5
Was not as dominant as the series opener. Grabbed a couple of lineouts, made some tackles, but also knocked on at a vital stage.
6-Akira Ioane 6
Promoted into the starting line-up for injured Scott Barrett in his first outing of the series. Made a couple of powerful runs, beat seven defenders and had a couple of nice touches, before powering his way over from close range, but also conceded a ruck penalty that stalled momentum.
7-Sam Cane 5
Led his team's tackle count with 13 - no misses - and went close to scoring a couple of times in the build-up to Savea's try, but his tackle without the ball led to an Irish try and a costly ruck penalty gifted them three points to seize back the initiative. Replaced by Papalii in the 65th minute.
8-Ardie Savea 8
Showed exactly how much the All Blacks missed him, when he was indirectly red-carded off the field at Dunedin. Scored a try, put Will Jordan into space for his try and again a few minutes later.
Every run was powerful, probably his team's best source of lineout ball and made a huge defensive ruck turnover. Poignantly took over the captaincy when Cane departed.
9-Aaron Smith 5
Another quiet game by his standards and the Irish looked after him pretty well all series. Defused one dangerous attacking kick with his defensive positioning, but was caught offside and threw an intercept pass that fortunately landed in the hands of a lumbering forward.
10-Beauden Barrett 5
Raised eyebrows when his first touch of the ball was a towering kick towards the posts. Tried to mix up the attack, ran for 76 metres - second only to Will Jordan -but struggled to influence the game.
Retreated fast for an early trysaving intercept, but spilled a long lineout throw, conceded a costly ruck penalty in his own red zone and missed a tackle on James Lowe that eventually cost three points.
11-Sevu Reece 4
Received few chances with ball in hand and eventually replaced by Richie Mo'unga in the 61st minute.
12-David Havili 4
Provided a better kicking option than Quinn Tupaea and unleashed a 50-22 to prove that point - but was largely nullified by his markers.
13-Rieko Ioane 3
Barely sighted, except for a couple of costly turnovers in the first half. Replaced by Roger Tuivasa-Sheck in the 70th minute.
14-Will Jordan 6
Again showed his tryscoring class with a thrilling 70 metre dash to the corner and another that put the All Blacks hot on attack moments later. Clocked up 133 running metres for the game, but was exposed somewhat defensively by Ireland's second try and coughed up a couple of key turnovers, as the All Blacks desperately tried to complete their comeback.
15-Jordie Barrett 6
Suffered a knock in the opening minutes, but stayed on and never stopped trying. Courageous under the high ball and made a sprawling catch that led to Jordan's try.
Slotted three from five off the tee, but one of those - Jordan's try conversion from wide out - seemed to clear the upright.
Reserves
16-Dane Coles 4
Replaced Taylor at the 61st minute and had his head buried too deep to niggle anyone.
17-Karl Tu'inukuafe 4
Brought into the gameday squad for injured Aidan Ross and was the last reserve off the bench in the 72nd minute.
18-Ofa Tu'ungafasi 2
Replaced Laulala at halftime, but lasted only five minutes, before leaving for an HIA and never returned. After dominating his opposite at Eden Park, his form tailed off badly over the final two tests and he needs a real confidence boost heading forward.
19-Tupou Vaa'i 4
Brought into the gameday squad when Scott Barrett dropped out and was called into action, when Retallick left for an HIA and possible facial injury. Could not carry the momentum of his predecessor.
20-Dalton Papalii 4
Replaced captain Cane in the 65th minute and lacked opportunities.
21-Folau Fakatava 3
Again thrown into a difficult situation and could not influence the game. Was sacked at an attacking ruck and threw intercept pass, as the hopes of victory finally dwindled.
22-Richie Mo'unga 4
Replaced Sevu Reece in the 61st minute, resulting in a backline reshuffle that probably did nothing to help the cause. Couldn't provide the spark required and should probably get a start against South Africa in the All Blacks' next outing.
23-Roger Tuivasa-Sheck 4
Finally made his long-awaited All Blacks debut in the 70th minute, replacing Rieko Ioane, and produced one trademark jinking run for three metres. Another that probably needed more time to settle in.
Grant Chapman is Newshub online sports lead
