New Zealand get their end-of-the-year turn underway with a clash against the Irish at Soldier Park.
The Kiwis have endured a rather underwhelming 2025 campaign but should they finish the campaign with a Grand Slam, things will look a bit rosey for Scott Robertson and his somewhat under-fire charges. The first hurdle standing in their way is a dogged Irish side who have fond memories of Soldier Field in Chicago.
Ireland v New Zealand | Saturday 2 November | Soldier Field
To Win (80 Mins)
Ireland | Draw | New Zealand
Handicap
Ireland | New Zealand
We return to the scene of Ireland’s first win over New Zealand, which came back in 2016 when Joe Schmidt was still at the Irish helm. The 40-29 victory is seen as a watershed moment for this modern Irish side and for right reason. Since that win, the Irish have beaten the Kiwis a further four times and claimed a series win in the ‘land of the long white cloud’ back in 2022.
2025 has been a rather underwhelming year for both these sides with Ireland finishing the 6 Nations in third behind England and France, while they sent their B-side on a mid-year tour which saw them beat Georgia 5-34 and hammer minnows Portugal 7-106. Most of their starmen performed admirably during the Lions tour, while their b-side was mixing it up with the lower tier nations in July.
New Zealand have also flattered to deceive somewhat as they were pushed hard by a significantly understrength French side in two of the three mid-year Tests. And while they did claim a whitewash over a French B/C side, they were far from convincing. They then gave a decent enough account of themselves in the Rugby Championship with an away defeat to Argentina and a home defeat to South Africa costing them the chance of yet another trophy.
With the game being played Stateside, the teams will be announced rather late but there is some talk of Caelan Doris being on the bench for Ireland while Jack Crowley looks to have the inside line on the ten jersey after some superb URC performances. Andy Farrell’s men will be without the services of Mack Hansen and Hugo Keenan.
For the Kiwis, Scott Robertson has a big decision to make at 13 with Billy Proctor and Quinn Tupaea both pushing for selection. Roberston has had some good news with Scott Barrett and is likely to lead a somewhat inexperienced tight five pack.
Verdict: New Zealand
I reckon we’re in for a tight one here with both teams desperate for a win. My money is on the Kiwis just edging it.
