Ireland and New Zealand are set to face off once again at Soldier Field in Chicago this November, marking a significant rematch that has rugby fans buzzing with excitement. It has been nine years since the historic victory that was celebrated as one of Irish rugby’s greatest moments, and the anticipation for this upcoming clash is palpable.
The match on 1 November will be a repeat of the 2016 fixture at the same venue, where Ireland made history by securing their first men’s Test win over the All Blacks after an 111-year wait. The electric atmosphere at Soldier Field during that game left a lasting impression on fans and players alike, solidifying the bond between the two teams and setting the stage for a fierce rivalry.
In 2018, Ireland also dominated Italy at Soldier Field with a resounding 54-7 victory, further establishing their prowess on the international stage. The team’s success in Chicago has become a source of pride for Irish rugby fans, who eagerly await each new chapter in this exciting journey.
Following the match against New Zealand, Ireland will return to Dublin to continue their autumn fixtures, starting with a showdown against Japan on 8 November. This will be followed by a highly anticipated match against Australia at the iconic Aviva Stadium a week later, before wrapping up their four-game slate with back-to-back games against the reigning world champions, South Africa.
Kevin Potts, chief executive of the Irish Rugby Football Union, expressed his delight at the return of international rugby to Chicago for this historic rematch, highlighting the significance of the 2016 encounter at Soldier Field in shaping the trajectory of Irish rugby. The mutual respect and admiration between Ireland and New Zealand have only deepened since that fateful day, underscoring the intense passion and quality of play that define this enduring rivalry.
For head coach Andy Farrell, the match against the All Blacks will mark a homecoming of sorts as he returns to the Ireland coaching box after leading the British and Irish Lions on a riveting three-Test tour of Australia earlier in the summer. In Farrell’s absence, assistant coach Simon Easterby has been at the helm for the Six Nations and will once again step into the role of interim head coach for the upcoming Test matches in July.
As the excitement continues to build for the highly anticipated clash between Ireland and New Zealand at Soldier Field, rugby fans around the world are eagerly awaiting the chance to witness these two powerhouse teams go head-to-head once more. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown that promises to deliver a spectacle of skill, determination, and heart-stopping moments that will capture the imagination of rugby enthusiasts everywhere.
Match Schedule:
– Saturday, 1 November: Ireland v New Zealand, Soldier Field, Chicago, 20:10 GMT
– Saturday, 8 November: Ireland v Japan, Aviva Stadium, 12:40 GMT
– Saturday, 15 November: Ireland v Australia, Aviva Stadium, 20:10 GMT
– Saturday, 22 November: Ireland v South Africa, Aviva Stadium, 17:40 GMT
The upcoming fixture promises to be a thrilling encounter that will showcase the best of international rugby talent and provide fans with a spectacle to remember for years to come.
