All Blacks Kick Off Grand Slam Quest Against Ireland in Chicago

The All Blacks are set to begin their journey towards a Grand Slam on November 2, 2024, as they face Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago. This marks a significant moment for the New Zealand team, aiming to become the fifth All Blacks side to achieve this prestigious feat. The match is particularly notable as Soldier Field was the site of Ireland’s historic 40-29 victory over the All Blacks in 2016, marking their first ever win against New Zealand.

In terms of their recent form, the All Blacks arrive in the United States after securing two victories in the Rugby Championship. Conversely, Ireland last played in July, dominating matches against Portugal (106-7) and Georgia (34-5) after a third-place finish in the Six Nations. The rivalry between these two teams has intensified over the years, with the last ten encounters resulting in a balanced 5-5 record.

Historical Context and Recent Encounters

Historically, the All Blacks and Ireland have faced each other 38 times, with New Zealand winning 32 matches, Ireland winning 5, and one ending in a draw. The All Blacks have scored a total of 1,064 points against Ireland’s 529.

The most recent meeting took place on October 14, 2023, where the All Blacks emerged victorious with a score of 23-13 in Dublin. This match was particularly poignant for Ireland, as it marked their first home defeat following a remarkable 19-test winning streak. The All Blacks capitalized on the absence of key players like Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, demonstrating resilience in their performance.

In their last ten encounters, the All Blacks have shown both dominance and vulnerability. Notable results include:

2024 – All Blacks 23, Ireland 13, Dublin

2023 – All Blacks 28, Ireland 24, Paris

2022 – Ireland 32, All Blacks 22, Wellington

2022 – Ireland 23, All Blacks 12, Dunedin

Match Details and Broadcast Information

The All Blacks will face Ireland at 9:10 AM local time at Soldier Field. The referee for the match will be Frenchman Pierre Brousset, who previously officiated an All Blacks victory in 2025. Betting odds currently favor the All Blacks at $1.47, while Ireland is at $2.60, with a draw priced at $21.

Fans can follow the action through various platforms. Live commentary will be provided by Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio. The match will also be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 and available for livestreaming via Sky Sport Now. For live updates, viewers can check nzherald.co.nz.

The All Blacks’ Grand Slam schedule continues with matches against Scotland, England, and Wales over the subsequent weeks, making this opening match against Ireland a crucial start to their campaign.

As both teams prepare for this exciting clash, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching to see how the All Blacks cope with the pressure of their Grand Slam ambitions against a formidable Irish side.