LIVE on Sky Sport – Sunday 2 October: All Blacks vs Ireland, 9:10AM (NZST). Highlights available on NZR+ and All Blacks YouTube.
All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets)
1. Ethan de Groot (37)
2. Codie Taylor (103)
3. Fletcher Newell (31)
4. Scott Barrett (86) (Captain)
5. Fabian Holland (9)
6. Simon Parker (5)
7. Ardie Savea (103) (Vice-Captain)
8. Peter Lakai (5)
9. Cam Roigard (14)
10. Beauden Barrett (141)
11. Caleb Clarke (30)
12. Jordie Barrett (77) (Vice-Captain)
13. Quinn Tupaea (21)
14. Leroy Carter (3)
15. Will Jordan (50)
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (39)
17. Tamaiti Williams (23)
18. Pasilio Tosi (12)
19. Josh Lord (8)
20. Wallace Sititi (15)
21. Cortez Ratima (18)
22. Leicester Fainga’anuku (8)
23. Damian McKenzie (70)
The team includes just four changes to the side that beat the Wallabies in Perth in the final round of the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship.
Ethan de Groot returns from concussion to join Fletcher Newell and Codie Taylor in the starting front row. This sees Tamaiti Williams move to the bench where he will play an impact role alongside fellow front-rowers Pasilio Tosi and Samisoni Taukei’aho.
The only other change to the forwards is on the bench, with lock Josh Lord coming into the side to replace the injured Patrick Tuipulotu.
In the backs, Beauden Barrett returns from a shoulder injury to start at first-five eighth, and Caleb Clarke returns from his ankle injury to take the left wing. Leicester Fainga’anuku and Damian McKenzie move into the reserves to join halfback Cortez Ratima as the back line cover.
All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson said the squad has prepared well in Chicago this week for what they know will be a tough match against Ireland.
“This is an awesome match to kick off our Northern Tour with. Ireland are a strong side and will have a loud contingent of supporters here in Chicago, so we are prepared for a passionate clash on the Soldier Field stage. We have had a great week together leading up to the Test and now we are looking forward to the contest on Saturday afternoon.”
The Gallagher Cup – The Rematch will be available on Pay Per View in 66 countries via NZR+, the official global streaming home of New Zealand Rugby. Visit the Where to Watch page on allblacks.com to find how to watch All Blacks v Ireland around the world.
MATCH FACTS
- The All Blacks have played Ireland 38 times since the Originals first played Ireland in Dublin in 1905, winning 15-0.
- Ireland’s first ever win over the All Blacks was 40-29 at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2016. New Zealand was unbeaten against Ireland for 111 years before that loss.
- Since then, Ireland have won a further four Tests in 2018, 2021, and twice in 2022. The All Blacks have picked up five wins over the same period, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup quarter-final and last year’s match in Dublin.
- The teams have met four previous times on neutral soil, with the All Blacks recording 3 wins and 1 loss (Ellis Park, Johannesburg at the 1995 RWC; Soldier Field, Chicago in 2016; Tokyo Stadium, Japan at the 2019 RWC; Stade de France, Saint Denis at the 2023 RWC).
- Jordie Barrett is one point ahead of brother Beauden in points against Ireland; 49 points against 48. They rank third and fourth on the all-time list, behind Dan Carter (87 points) and Andrew Mehrtens (81 points).
- Will Jordan is equal highest All Blacks try-scorer against Ireland with 5 tries, alongside Frank Bunce and Doug Howlett. Ardie Savea leads the forwards with 4 tries.
