Soldier Field Rugby: New Zealand v Ireland
When New Zealand last played in the USA
©PA
In England this weekend fireworks will light the sky as the country celebrates Guy Fawkes Night; also known as Bonfire Night. Fireworks are also expected in Chicago, as the all-conquering All Blacks take on Ireland
The weather forecast is sunny and 18 deg C, the city is ready for a sporting spectacular. The venue is Soldier Field the home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears. The brand is The Rugby Weekend.
Both teams arrive with new players in the mix and press reports of players under scrutiny for off-field behaviour. There is plenty to talk about in the build up to this game, click here.
Our correspondent, Alex Shaw believes it will be Ireland who can be a thorn in the side, as he explained here
The Kiwis can be countered but it will take phenomenal defensive line speed, immaculate tactical kicking and players capable of dominating the contact area.
Defence coach Andy Farrell is a welcome ace up Schmidt’s sleeve, with the Englishman having orchestrated the defence of England in 2012 that not only nullified New Zealand’s attacking ability, but also allowed England to turn defence into attack.
The growth of rugby union in the USA is well documented as is the success Rugby7s has gained. Today rugby is considered the fastest growing team sport in the USA. A significant achievement that many put down to an Englishman, Nigel Melville.
Former Ireland captain, Paul O’Connell is impressed with this fixture and the fixture schedule Ireland are taking on. He told the gathered press that “I think its brilliant scheduling that Ireland will play the All Blacks twice this autumn.”
"Clive Woodward was a big banker of his success with England on the fact that he chased down as many matches with southern hemisphere teams as he could.”
"That England team repeatedly played the best in the world in autumn series, and it paid off with the World Cup for them in 2003."
So the Autumn Internationals begin on Soldier Field. Alex Shaw has opened the debate on Ireland’s ability to spring a surprise. The tragic loss of Anthony Foley will galvanise and inspire the Irish. Potential new caps like Joey Carberry have the potential to run new lines against the All Blacks. So who are you backing this weekend and what are your predictions? What do other fans think?
There will be fireworks on the 5th November; the rugby on show will allow us all to see if the northern hemisphere teams have learnt lessons from the Rugby World Cup 2015 and are capable of overturning the All Blacks.
Growing the All Blacks brand in the USA has great commercial significance for the team and the country of New Zealand as a whole. The brand is a prized asset; unlocking its value in markets such as China and the USA is important. Winning allows the brand momentum to grow; there’s also the matter of the All Blacks continuing their winning streak.
