In a match three years in the making, Ireland have a shot at redemption for their last gasp loss to the All Blacks in 2013 when the two sides square off at Soldier Field in Chicago.
Matches played: 28
All Blacks won: 27
Draw: 1
Last Match: All Blacks 24, Ireland 22 (2013)
Largest All Blacks winning margin: 60-0 (2012)
Match details: All Blacks v Ireland, 9am, Sunday 6 November (NZT), Soldier Field, Chicago, USA
There has been a major re-shuffle in the All Blacks second row with first-string locks Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock and Luke Romano all unavailable for this clash. Regular blindside flanker Jerome Kaino shifts to the number five jersey for his first Test start at lock while Patrick Tuipulotu claims the other locking spot for his 11th Test. Crusaders lock Scott Barrett provides second row cover from the bench and will likely make his Test debut at Soldier Field. In the backline, Aaron Smith returns at halfback, George Moala comes in at centre and Waisake Naholo comes onto the right wing with TJ Perenara, Anton Lienert-Brown and Israel Dagg all slipping out of the starting fifteen which defeated Australia at Eden Park on October 22.
Ireland pushed the All Blacks to the brink in 2013 before an overtime try and side line conversion clinched the match for the All Blacks in Dublin. Ireland stunned the All Blacks with three tries in the opening 20 minutes before the All Blacks clawed their way back into the contest. Ireland boast a number of survivors from that tight clash, including key players fullback Rob Kearney, first five-eighth Jonathan Sexton and hooker Rory Best.
The selection of Scott Barrett in the number 19 jersey represents the first time since 1961 that two sets of brothers have been selected for the All Blacks. In 1961, Ian and Don Clarke were joined by brothers Colin and Stan Meads in a Test against France at Eden Park. The Barrett’s are joined by Julian and Ardie Savea for the Chicago Test with Julian celebrating his 50th Test cap. To make things even more special for the Barrett’s, younger brother Jordie will watch from the side line as the apprentice on the All Blacks Vista Northern Tour.
The battle of fullbacks Ben Smith and Rob Kearney will be an enticing battle. Kearney has long been recognised as one of the world’s premier fullbacks and played a key role in Ireland’s close loss to the All Blacks in 2013 with an 80 metre try securing an early 19-0 lead for Ireland. There’s little to separate the players. Both are adept in the air, tactically sound and dangerous on the counter attack. Blessed with speedy wings on their outside, the winner of this clash maybe the player who can better link with the speed merchants out wide.
All Blacks: 1. Joe Moody 2. Dane Coles 3. Owen Franks 4. Patrick Tuipulotu 5. Jerome Kaino 6. Liam Squire 7. Sam Cane 8. Kieran Read (C) 9. Aaron Smith 10. Beauden Barrett 11. Julian Savea 12. Ryan Crotty 13. George Moala 14. Waisake Naholo 15. Ben Smith
Replacements:16. Codie Taylor 17. Ofa Tu’ungafasi 18. Charlie Faumuina 19. Scott Barrett * 20. Ardie Savea 21. TJ Perenara 22. Aaron Cruden 23. Malakai Fekitoa
Ireland: 15. Rob Kearney 14. Andrew Trimble 13. Jared Payne 12. Robbie Henshaw 11. Simon Zebo 10. Johnny Sexton 9. Conor Murray 8. Jamie Heaslip 7. Jordi Murphy 6. CJ Stander 5. Devin Toner 4. Donnacha Ryan 3. Tadhg Furlong 2. Rory Best (c) 1. Jack McGrath
Replacements: 16. Sean Cronin 17. Cian Healy 18. Finlay Bealham 19. Ultan Dillane 20. Josh van der Flier 21. Kieran Marmion 22. Joey Carbery 23. Garry Ringrose