When White’s comments were put to Farrell, the Ireland boss said: “We were just saying in the changing rooms that we learned some good lessons and use them in the right manner for next week.”
Farrell also admitted the scoreline flattered his side after they pulled clear having only led 17-15 at the break.
“Pleased to get the win, especially the scoreline, it flattered us a little bit but having said that you’ve got to work for those points and after 25 minutes you’re down by five points against a side that’s playing pretty well.
“As far as the physical nature of the game, I thought they were winning collisions, they were good in the air and on the floor, running really physically through the line and the breakdown was pretty good.
“All in all, we need to understand that wins here when you’re under a bit of pressure, they’re all pretty precious.”
While Ireland struggled to shine at times, Farrell was impressed by James McNabney’s shorter-than-expected debut.
The Ulster back row came off the bench and made two huge carries before being forced off with a head injury which rules the 23-year-old out of featuring against South Africa.
“He’s joking in the changing rooms – he’s delighted with himself for the shortest cameo of a first cap,” he said of McNabney.
“I reckon it’s the best cameo of three-and-a-half minutes or whatever it was on a debut in Irish history really.
“He remembers the two breaks that he made, so he seems in good spirits.”