As Ireland return to Soldier Field for the Autumn Nations Series clash against New Zealand, memories of their first-ever win over the All Blacks in 2016 come flooding back. That unforgettable victory ended a 111-year drought and reshaped Irish rugby’s confidence on the global stage.
A rivalry born in Chicago
Nine years ago, few believed Ireland could topple the reigning world champions, who arrived on an 18-match winning streak. Yet Joe Schmidt’s side stunned the rugby world with a composed, clinical performance that broke New Zealand’s dominance and marked the start of one of the sport’s fiercest modern rivalries.
New challenge, familiar stage
This time, Dan Sheehan captains Ireland, hoping to emulate Rory Best’s 2016 heroics. The All Blacks, led by hooker Codie Taylor, have acknowledged they were “caught up” in the city’s buzz back then — especially after the Chicago Cubs’ first World Series win in over a century — but are determined not to repeat that lapse.
Proving a point again
For Ireland, victory on Saturday would not carry the same shock value but would silence critics questioning their recent form. A win in Chicago would reaffirm their status among rugby’s elite and reinforce the legacy of the rivalry that began on this very ground.
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