Preview: Ireland vs New Zealand

CHICAGO, IL–On Thursday, both Ireland and New Zealand announced their squads for Saturday’s test match at Soldier Field. It was nine years ago this coming Wednesday that Ireland defeated the All Blacks at Soldier Field for the first time in their 112-year history before a crowd of 62,300–the largest ever to see rugby union in the United States. Ireland have beaten the All Blacks five times since and vice-versa. A similar crowd is expected for what’s billed as The Gallagher Cup:  The Rematch.

Four All Blacks from that 2016 squad are in the squad this year as are five Irish.

The All Blacks are looking for the Grand Slam in their autumn tours as they will play England, Scotland, and Wales following this test at Soldier Field. Three key players return from injury for Saturday’s test. Beauden Barrett, who was part of the 2016 squad that day, has been reinstated after missing the win against Australia in Perth with a shoulder injury to push Damian McKenzie to the bench. Caleb Clarke returns at left wing recovering from an ankle injury. Ethan de Groot (concussion) also returns to start at loosehead prop alongside Codie Taylor and Fletcher Newell.

Dan Sheehan will captain Ireland for the second time at Soldier Field, while Leinster prop Paddy McCarthy is in line for his test debut off the bench. Expected captain Caelan Doris returns from a shoulder injury on the bench, alongside Bundee Aki. Jack Crowley will start at 10, partnering Jamison Gibson-Park. Jack Conan starts at #8 despite not playing since the British and Irish Lions tour at the beginning of August.

New Zealand:

#1-Ethan de Groot, #2-Codie Taylor, #3-Fletcher Newell, #4-Scott Barrett (captain), #5-Fabian Holland, #6-Simon Parker, #7-Ardie Savea, #8-Peter Lakai, #9-Cam Roigard, #10-Beauden Barrett, #11-Caleb Clarke, #12-Jordie Barrett, #13-Quinn Tupaea, #14-Leroy Carter, #15-Will Jordan.

Reserves: #16-Samisoni Taukei’aho, #17-Tamaiti Williams, #18-Pasilio Tosi, #19-Josh Lord, #20-Wallace Sititi, #21-Cortez Ratima, #22-Leicester Fainga’anuku, #23-Damian McKenzie.

Ireland:

#1-Andrew Porter, #2-Dan Sheehan (captain), #3-Tadhg Furlong, #4-James Ryan, #5-Tadhg Beirne, #6-Ryan Baird, #7-Josh van der Flier, #8-Jack Conan, #9-Jamison Gibson-Park, #10- Jack Crowley, #11-James Lowe, #12-Stuart McCloskey, #13-Garry Ringrose, #14-Tommy O’Brien, #15- Jamie Osborne.

Reserves: #16-Ronan Kelleher, #17-Paddy McCarthy, #18-Finlay Bealham, #19-Iain Henderson, #20- Caelan Doris, #21-Craig Casey, #22-Sam Prendergast, #23-Bundee Aki.

In other news, At the United by Rugby on Friday afternoon; 27 cities, states, and regions were named as potential hosts for the 2031 Men’s Rugby Union World Cup to be held in the United States. The sites entering the applicant phase are as follows:: Arizona, Atlanta, Baltimore, Birmingham, Boston, Charlotte, Chicago, Cincinnati, Denver, Houston, Kansas City, Los Angeles Region, Miami, Minneapolis, Nashville, New Orleans, New York/New Jersey, Orlando, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Seattle, St. Louis, Vancouver, and Washington ,DC.

Over the next 14 months, World Rugby and USA Rugby will assess, evaluate, and collaborate with all applicants and venues through a detailed engagement process. This includes:

• Team base feasibility visits, which are already underway
• In-depth venue evaluations, beginning in November 2025
• Sharing of detailed hosting requirements, opportunities, and legacy potential

At the end of 2026, a reduced number of cities and venues will move into the Candidate Phase, marking the start of formal contracting.

Photos by Leslie Smith

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