Ireland v New Zealand: All you need to know as rivals set for Soldier Field rematch

As mentioned above, Ireland’s victory over New Zealand in Chicago nine years ago proved a turning point in this fixture.

While it was New Zealand dominance up until that point, the past 10 meetings have been shared equally.

The All Blacks did gain revenge for their loss in Chicago by beating Ireland in Dublin a fortnight later, but in 2018, Ireland would then record their first win at home against New Zealand.

In 2022, they won for the first time on New Zealand soil before backing it up seven days later to secure a 2-1 series win, but the All Blacks have always found a way to bounce back, thumping Ireland in a 2019 World Cup quarter-final in Japan and in the 2023 tournament in France, came through 28-24 as they held out despite latest Irish pressure.

The last meeting between the teams took place in Dublin last year when the All Blacks came away with a 23-13 victory.

Damian McKenzie kicked six penalties to give the All Blacks a lead midway through the second half despite a Josh van der Flier try for Ireland just after the break, but a Will Jordan try would put the issue beyond doubt.