All Blacks vs Ireland in Chicago confirmed?
Today at 02:52 AM
Ireland will play the All Blacks in Chicago during their 2025 end-of-year tour, according to Sky Sport NZ show The Breakdown.
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The show, which is shared on the official All Blacks YouTube channel, listed the Test among New Zealand’s fixtures for 2025, in what will be head coach Scott Robertson’s second year in charge.
Other end-of-year Tests for the All Blacks are said to be against Scotland, England and Wales.
Meanwhile, as reported by The South African website, the All Blacks will also play France in a three-match series in mid-2025, with at least one of those matches also scheduled to take place in the United States.
Soldier Field in Chicago was the site of Ireland’s first ever victory over the All Blacks in 2016.
The game was a 62 300 sell-out.
New Zealand quickly gained revenge for that 40-29 defeat a fortnight later, winning 21-9 in a heated Dublin clash.
All Blacks away fixtures for 2025. Image: The Breakdown / Sky Sport NZ
It was reported by New Zealand publication The Post earlier this year that the two sides were poised to meet once again in the United States in late October or early November.
Stuff.co.nz reported in May that New York and Boston were also being considered for the rematch.
The All Blacks won 23-13 in Ireland’s first game of this year’s November internationals, making it two victories on the bounce against Andy Farrell’s team.
They also won last year’s World Cup quarter-final 28-24.
Why play in the United States?
The desire to play matches in the United States is an obvious one.
Bigger stadiums, more fans, more expensive tickets, US dollars and equates to a sizeable – and much-needed – boost for the NZR coffers.
It's a no-brainer.
In addition, the 2031 Rugby World Cup will be held in the United States.
Teams will no doubt wish to familiarise themselves with conditions in the US – and the US will want to grow the game heading into to the tournament.
Would you mind if SA Rugby moved some of the Springboks' home Tests to the USA?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1
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