Ireland’s bid to create another historic Chicago memory ended in a 26-13 defeat to New Zealand after lock Tadhg Beirne received a controversial early red card.
Nearly nine years after Ireland’s first-ever victory over the All Blacks at the same venue, New Zealand exacted their revenge at Soldier Field with tries from Ardie Savea, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace Sititi, and Cam Roigard.
Ireland initially overcame Beirne’s third-minute dismissal for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett, who kicked three conversions. A try from prop Tadhg Furlong and eight points from fly-half Jack Crowley gave the Irish an early lead.
However, the All Blacks showcased their class in the second half to secure a deserved victory.
Talk of Ireland’s 40-29 triumph in 2016 fueled the build-up to the sold-out clash, dubbed “the rematch.” Irish hopes were dealt a major blow when Beirne was sin-binned, a decision that French referee Pierre Brousset upgraded to a 20-minute red card following a review.
Despite the temporary numerical disadvantage and an early injury to All Blacks captain Scott Barrett, Ireland struck first. Furlong, one of four survivors from the 2016 squad, powered over for the opening try in the 16th minute. New Zealand responded swiftly with a magnificent score from Savea, shortly after losing centre Jordie Barrett to a knee injury.
Crowley’s boot kept Ireland ahead, and they took a 13-7 lead into the second half. New Zealand, who had been below their fluid best, finally took the lead in the 63rd minute when replacement prop Williams crashed over.
Scott Robertson’s team quickly extended their advantage to take control of the contest. A superb pass from Damian McKenzie released Sititi to claim his first Test try, making the score 21-13 with the successful conversion.
Scrum-half Roigard then darted over to extinguish any prospect of an Irish comeback. The loss marked a disappointing result for coach Andy Farrell in his first match back from a sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, ahead of upcoming fixtures in Dublin against Japan, Australia, and South Africa.
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