Brian O'Driscoll has defended Ireland's tactics © Getty Images

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Ireland skipper Brian O'Driscoll has defended his side's tactics following a dour 20-10 win over Samoa on Saturday.

After last weekend's loss to South Africa, Ireland needed to lift spirits at the newly-redeveloped Lansdowne Road but conditions again conspired against them as another disappointing crowd went home unsatisfied.

The next task for O'Driscoll's charges comes in the form of the All Blacks - who are fresh from routing Scotland 49-3 at Murrayfield.

"There was a realisation early on that it wasn't a day for playing," he said. "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.

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

O'Driscoll's Leinster team-mate Luke Fitzgerald switched from wing to fullback against Samoa and admitted that they need to step things up if they are to live with New Zealand.

"We have to take it up a notch against New Zealand because they've consistently been the best side in the world," he said. "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. You only have to look at our strike runners and playmakers to know that when it clicks....maybe then you'll get off our backs."