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Key All Blacks return from injury to face Ireland seeking Chicago redemption
Sport Nation •  October 31st, 2025 6:00 am
Beauden Barrett | Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Usually home to the Chicago Bears of the NFL, Solider Field will be the stage for a grand Gallagher Cup rematch between the All Blacks and Ireland this Sunday.
The last time the two sides met in Chicago, Ireland came away the victors 40-29 in 2016, after 111 years of trying to defeat the All Blacks.
It was the catalyst for a paradigm shift for fans of the long-time rivals with the Irish winning again in 2018, 2021 and twice in 2022, while New Zealand's greatest win in the past decade came in the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has made four changes to his side that defeated the Wallabies 28-14 on October 4 with several key players returning from injury.
With Ethan de Groot returning to the front row, Tamaiti Williams will come off the bench. While the other change to the forward pack from the Perth Test sees the inclusion of Josh Lord with Patrick Tuipulotu out injured.
While in the backs, Beauden Barrett is back in the lineup in the No. 10 jersey to link up with Cam Roigard in the halves, and Caleb Clarke returns to the left wing. Their return will have Leicester Fainga’anuku and Damian McKenzie providing backline cover off the bench, while Cortez Ratima is the backup halfback to Roigard.
Sunday's brunch time 9.10am kick off begins the All Blacks' Northern Tour to end the 2025 season, with Scotland, England and Wales to come.
All Blacks side to play Ireland
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Scott Barrett (captain), 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea (VC), 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett (VC), 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Will Jordan.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18, Pasilio Tosi, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23. Damian McKenzie.
The All Blacks’ Northern Tour begins against Ireland! Tune into The Rugby Run with Justin Marshall and Mark Watson for talkback, interviews and more post-match. This Sunday from midday on Sport Nation.
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