Ireland v New Zealand: All you need to know ahead of the clash in Chicago

Michael Bolton

Ireland get their November series underway as they take on New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday.

This stadium was the venue for a famous win in 2016, as Ireland defeated the All Blacks for the first time in their history.

Since that victory, it has been an even rivalry, with Ireland defeating the All Blacks for the first time in Ireland in 2018 and winning a series in New Zealand in 2022.

However, New Zealand have won the last two games, including the 2023 World Cup quarter-final.

With the focus turning to the 2027 World Cup, this is seen as a vital step on the journey, and a win would be a huge boost of confidence for this Ireland side.

Here is all you need to know ahead of Ireland v New Zealand

When is Ireland v New Zealand?

Ireland v New Zealand is on Saturday November 1st, with kick-off at 8:10 pm Irish time.

How can I watch the game?

Live coverage will be shown on Virgin Media One from 7pm.

Team News

Jack Crowley gets the nod to start at fly-half ahead of Sam Prendergast, with the Munster man rewarded for his impressive start to the season.

Stuart McCloskey starts at inside centre ahead of Bundee Aki, where he partners Garry Ringrose.

Jamie Osborne starts at full back, with Tommy O'Brien and James Lowe on the wings.

Caelan Doris would make his first appearance since May if he comes off the bench, while Paddy McCarthy could make his debut if he comes on.

For New Zealand, Beauden Barrett starts at fly-half, with brothers Jordie and Scott also starting.

Soon-to-be Leinster man Rieko Ioane has been left out of the squad completely, with Quinn Tupaea partnering Jordie Barrett in the centre.

Ireland team to play New Zealand

Jamie Osborne; Tommy O’Brien, Garry Ringrose, Stuart McCloskey, James Lowe; Jack Crowley, Jamison Gibson-Park; Andrew Porter, Dan Sheehan (capt), Tadhg Furlong; James Ryan, Tadhg Beirne; Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier, Jack Conan.

Replacements: Rónan Kelleher, Paddy McCarthy, Finlay Bealham, Iain Henderson, Caelan Doris, Craig Casey, Sam Prendergast, Bundee Aki.

New Zealand team to play Ireland:

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. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Damian McKenzie.

Form guide

Ireland provided the bulk of the players who won the series for the British and Irish Lions in Australia.

A weakened side managed by Paul O'Connell comfortably defeated Portugal and Georgia. Despite winning a Triple Crown, the Six Nations did not end as hoped, with a defeat at home to France ending their three-in-a-row hopes.

For New Zealand, they will go into the game more fresh having concluded the Rugby Championship in September, where they finished second.

The campaign included four wins and two losses, including a 43-10 defeat to South Africa.