KEY POINTS:
Even with little matchplay in two months and a new son at home struggling with his health, All Black fullback Mils Muliaina tuned in to play a game befitting his status as the premier fullback in world rugby.
The All Black custodian admitted events at home had troubled him for most of the week since he arrived late to join the side in Ireland,
"I just wanted to prove that I could come over here and forget about the distractions there and play for them, so it was pretty good and I am really happy about that," he said after his 67th cap at famous Croke Park.
The plan had been to attack out wide and then recycle the ball to hit through the middle again. At times it worked and the emphasis had been about staying on their feet on attack to maintain the momentum.
Muliaina was keen for more rugby and felt he was capable of dealing with those demands while supporting his family from afar.
"It is not too long to go now, we are over the halfway mark which is always the easiest bit so really looking forward to play a few more games and getting excited about it."
The fullback had found it very tough at the start getting his second wind but the test had not been as fast as many others he had been involved in and that had helped. The All Blacks had placed a great deal of heat on Ronan O'Gara's kicking and when he hurried some clearances, Muliaina had been able to mop up those hurried dispatches.
"There were times there when I was blowing and the game stopped again and I got my breath back again. I just need to get a bit sharper."
His wife, Hayley, and new son, Max, had taken in the test from hospital and while his son's health was a day-by-day issue, both seemed to be coping well.
The All Blacks had tried to pressure O'Gara which showed when he skewed some kicks.
The plan had been to eliminate the strength of his kicking game, with the idea of collecting his kicks on the full and Sitiveni Sivivatu had been a rock in that scheme.
"I think he is just starting to come right now," Muliaina said of his teammate. "He is working hard off the ball and he is catching things which are just going over his head."
