O'Driscoll pleased with win

Brian O'Driscoll is pleased Ireland will enter Saturday's clash with New Zealand with a much-needed victory in the bank.

A 20-10 triumph over Samoa at Aviva Stadium on Saturday ended the team's six-match losing streak that dated back to the RBS 6 Nations. However, the performance against opposition ranked 11th in the world reinforced the concern Ireland have significant problems that must be addressed.

"I wouldn't say it's a relief to have won because in the end I'd say we were worth our win," said captain O'Driscoll.

"It's nice to get back to winning ways and remind ourselves of what that feeling is like. There's no better week to do that than before a Test against the All Blacks."

Ireland used the conditions - incessant light drizzle swept Lansdowne Road all afternoon - to explain another disjointed outing.

"There was a realisation early on that it wasn't a day for playing," O'Driscoll added. "We adapted pretty well to the conditions and there was no point playing any ball in our own half.

"They gave us some scares but I'm glad we had the control to see out the game. I'm glad Samoa are not in our World Cup group."

Luke Fitzgerald, who made an accomplished switch from wing to full-back, admits they must improve against New Zealand and hinted the team are starting to feel the pressure.

"We have to take it up a notch against New Zealand because they've consistently been the best side in the world," said Fitzgerald

"It's no disrespect to Samoa but you have to step it up. Please let it be dry weather against New Zealand. We've played the conditions quite well but it's frustrating from an outside back's perspective.