The highly anticipated match between Ireland and New Zealand is set for Soldier Field in Chicago. Scheduled for Saturday night, the kickoff is at 8:10 PM. This match is the first of several autumn internationals for Ireland, who will also face Japan, Australia, and South Africa this month.
How to Watch the Match
Fans can catch the game on Virgin Media One, with prematch coverage starting at 7:00 PM. For those preferring TNT Sports 2, coverage begins at 7:45 PM. Live updates will also be available on Emegypt’s website.
Significance of Soldier Field
Soldier Field has historical significance for Irish rugby fans. The venue, with a capacity of 62,500, hosted a memorable match in 2016. Ireland defeated New Zealand 4029, marking their first victory over the All Blacks after 111 years and 28 consecutive losses. The stadium is the oldest in the NFL, opened in 1924, and is also home to the Chicago Bears and Chicago Fire.
Recent Performance
Both teams have shown varying levels of form recently. Ireland, under head coach Andy Farrell, had several players featured in a successful Lions tour in Australia. They also achieved comfortable victories over Georgia and Portugal in previous matches. Ireland finished third in the last Six Nations, trailing England and France.
New Zealand, on the other hand, played nine matches during the recent summer months. They secured four wins and two losses in the Rugby Championship, although they faced a humbling 4310 defeat against South Africa. These autumn internationals are crucial for world rankings as teams aim to secure points ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup seeding.
Team News and Lineups
For Ireland, key selections include Stuart McCloskey and Jack Crowley who will start in the centre and at outhalf, respectively. Caelan Doris will begin the match on the bench, while Dan Sheehan takes the captaincy role. Here’s the starting lineup:
- Jamie Osborne
- Tommy O’Brien
- Garry Ringrose
- Stuart McCloskey
- James Lowe
- Jack Crowley
- Jamison GibsonPark
- Andrew Porter
- Dan Sheehan (capt)
- Tadhg Furlong
- James Ryan
- Tadhg Beirne
- Ryan Baird
- Josh van der Flier
- Jack Conan
The replacements include Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Caelan Doris, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, and Bundee Aki.
New Zealand will see Beauden Barrett return from a shoulder injury, starting at outhalf. Caleb Clarke also returns to the left wing after recovering from an ankle injury. The All Blacks’ starting team features:
- Will Jordan
- Leroy Carter
- Quinn Tupaea
- Jordie Barrett
- Caleb Clarke
- Beauden Barrett
- Cam Roigard
- Ethan De Groot
- Codie Taylor
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Fabian Holland
- Simon Parker
- Ardie Savea
- Peter Lakai
Their substitutes include Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Damian McKenzie.
With a rich history and high stakes, the Ireland vs. New Zealand match promises to be an exciting encounter for rugby fans worldwide.