Kia Ora Canada hit the road from Toronto to Chicago for a blockbuster clash between the All Blacks and Ireland, arriving Friday morning to a city awash in Irish green, with only a scattering of black jerseys in sight.
It quickly became clear that New Zealand supporters would be outnumbered, as Chicago filled with local and travelling Irish fans. Even at the All Blacks’ own Adidas fan event-featuring Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke, and Cam Roigard-the Q&A session was dominated by Irish voices, drawing laughter from players and fans alike in a lively, good-natured atmosphere.
Captain’s Run Sets the Scene
Later that afternoon, attention shifted to Soldier Field for the All Blacks’ captain’s run. The squad appeared relaxed and upbeat ahead of the much-anticipated “rematch,” eight years on from Ireland’s historic first win over New Zealand at the same venue.
Coach Scott ‘Razor’ Robertson cut a calm figure. In a lighter moment, when asked by Kia Ora Canada about the Toronto Blue Jays and whether they would wrap up the World Series that night, Razor quickly spotted the Kia Ora members Blue Jays hats and engaged in a chat about the team and star slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Irish Dominance Early on Game Day
By Saturday morning, game day had arrived. While the Blue Jays had fallen short the night before, there was a sense that something special could be brewing in Chicago and hopefully Toronto.
A crowd of 61,841 packed into Soldier Field, with a sea of green dominating the stands. The atmosphere was electric, though briefly stunned early when Tadhg Beirne received a yellow card that was later upgraded to a red-amid confusion due to the lack of a replay on the big screen.
Despite being down a man, Ireland rallied impressively, heading into halftime with a 10-7 lead. With 20 minutes remaining, they still held a 13-7 advantage, and memories of the 2016 upset in Chicago began to resurface for New Zealand fans.
All Blacks Surge Late
However, the All Blacks found another gear in the final quarter.
Tries from Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, and Cam Roigard turned the match on its head, with another effort ruled out right on full time.
The late surge secured a hard-fought 26 – 13 victory and provided crucial momentum heading into their next test against Scotland at Murrayfield Stadium, as the All Blacks eye going 2/2 in the quest for a Grand Slam.
Looking Ahead
Overall, the match reflected two sides still finding rhythm after limited recent play, but delivered a contest for fans.
While the Irish crowd brought the energy, it wasn’t enough to carry their side to another famous win. Ireland will now return to Dublin to face Japan, before tougher tests against the Wallabies and Springboks.
For Kia Ora Canada, it was a memorable weekend on the road-proof once again of rugby’s global reach and the unmatched atmosphere of test match rugby.
P.S. Lets not talk about Blue Jays and game 7…