All Blacks to return to Chicago – this time to take on Ireland
The last time Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand played in the United States, at Chicago’s Soldier Field in November 2014, the game was a record-setting sell-out ... and a bit of a blow-out. When the All Blacks return to the lakefront stadium this November, event organisers predict similar numbers at the gate – but a much closer scoreline.
The last time New Zealand’s defending Rugby World Cup champions All Blacks team played in the United States, the game was a record-setting sell-out.
It also was a blowout, as the storied All Blacks routed the USA Eagles national squad 74-6 before 61,500 people – the largest crowd to ever see a rugby match on American soil – at Chicago’s Soldier Field in November 2014.
People want to see rugby. The more rugby, the better rugby they see, the more they get inspired by it
When the All Blacks return to the lakefront stadium on November 5, USA Rugby and event organisers predict similar numbers at the gate – and that the score will be closer. The New Zealanders will meet the defending European Six Nations champions Ireland.
The game will be the centrepiece of a “Rugby Weekend” intended to promote the sport in the US. A match between the USA Eagles and New Zealand’s Maori All-Blacks will take place on November 4 at Toyota Park in suburban Bridgeview, Illinois.
First, many of the USA Eagles players will still be under contract with European teams and unavailable for the November 5 game.
Also, Ireland will be a stronger opponent, which will help showcase rugby at an elite level to American fans USA Rugby believes are hungry to learn more.