Jamie Heaslip insists results alone dictate the mood of the Ireland team and the Leinster backrow values victory over Samoa more than the high-octane defeat by New Zealand.
One final assignment awaits this autumn with Sunday’s visit of Argentina to the Aviva Stadium concluding a gruelling four-Test series.
After frustrating afternoons against South Africa and Samoa, Lansdowne Road was finally brought to its feet with Saturday’s 38-18 loss to the All Blacks.
Supporters appreciated the entertainment but Heaslip views edging Samoa – who have supplied the only win this month as more pleasing, even if the team performed below par.
“People patted us on the back after the New Zealand match and said ‘you did us proud’, but we lost,” said the Lions number eight.
“Not only that, but we also aided the All Blacks with the mistakes they punished us for and that’s very frustrating.
“We did our job best against Samoa because we won. I have to go with the result. I don’t like to play in a game that’s nice to watch but you lose. I don’t want to be on the receiving end of losing.
“I want to win and take more satisfaction from winning than losing. I will win a game any which way possible.”
Head coach Declan Kidney has stated that taking consolation from rattling the All Blacks would be a regressive step to an era when ambitions were far lower.
“It was a quick game but very physical at the same time. The contact zone at rucks was the hardest I’ve played in,” said Heaslip.
“New Zealand are so clinical and precise in what they do. You just can’t make a mistake. If you make a mistake you end up five metres from your try-line or they score a try.
“They’re not massively faster than anyone and there are big blokes in every team, but they’re so street wise and clinical.”
Forwards coach Gert Smal has admitted he was unsatisfied with every element of the set-piece on Saturday, but Heaslip insists there is time to address any shortcomings.
“You must play consistently at a high standard if you want to win and that’s what we’re striving to do,” he said.
“The set pieces are the launch pad for every team. A good lineout and scrum will go a long way.
“At times we get the better of teams and at times they get the better of us. It’s about minimising the times they get ahead of us.
“There’s definitely time to get the fundamentals right before the World Cup. We have about seven or eight weeks together in the Six Nations and there will be more time in the summer.
“If you want to win the World Cup you have to turn up for seven weeks in a row in you want to go all the way to the final.”
Heaslip is looking forward to facing Felipe Contepomi, his former Leinster team-mate and the current Argentina captain.
“I’ll definitely be keeping a close eye on him because in my experience even when he’s tackled he’s not out of the game,” he said.
“He can throw in an unbelievable off-load or wriggle himself out of tackles the whole time.
“I’m really looking forward to it as I’ve only ever played against him once I think.”