Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll admitted the penalty try just before half time had been crucial in the 22-3 loss to New Zealand.
Henry hails defensive efforts of his All Blacks in convincing win
Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll felt the penalty try his team conceded just before half-time had been crucial in their defeat to New Zealand.
Tommy Bowe gave away the score when he deliberately palmed the ball over the sidelines with Richie McCaw racing in to touch down.
As well as giving the All Blacks a 10-3 lead at the break, the winger was shown a yellow card by referee Mark Lawrence.
O'Driscoll called New Zealand a "smart team" after they maintained their perfect record over the Irish in 21 contests.
Level pegging
"Obviously it would have been considerably better if we'd gone in at half-time level pegging. The penalty try was a kick in the teeth," said O'Driscoll.
"But we did play the majority of the first half in our own half and eventually the All Blacks will make you pay for that.
"I didn't see what happened with regards to the try but there were a few times when we scrambled well and managed to hold them out.
"I wouldn't say it was deflating at half-time but there would have been more of a step in us had we been level pegging.
"On another day we could have been the ones to get a breakaway score just before half-time. It's all about momentum.
"New Zealand are a smart team who have clever players in key positions like Dan Carter."
Defeat was particularly disappointing for O'Driscoll, as he was hoping to mark his 50th appearance as Ireland captain by leading his country to a first ever win over the New Zealanders.
However, the British & Irish Lion was pleased with the way his team kept going right through to the final whistle at Croke Park.
"When they scored the third try there was potential for us to capitulate and allow them to cross the whitewash time and time again," he added.
"But we stood under the posts and said we wouldn't let that happen, not at Croke Park. We battled hard for the full 80 (minutes) and contained them."
Defence
New Zealand coach Graham Henry was delighted with the display on the latest leg of their European tour, reserving particular praise for their defensive efforts.
"We're pleased with the result. The guys played well and we dominated the game most of the time," he said.
"We played with tempo but were frustrated that we created chances that we didn't finish. A couple of tries went begging.
"Our defence was excellent, the best of the tour so far. We got a lot of turnover ball. Ireland played as well as they were allowed to. I imagine they went out with a more expansive gameplan.
"Brian O'Driscoll and Luke Fitzgerald played well, they cut us up in midfield a couple of times, but our cover defence was good."
