Ireland vs New Zealand live: All Blacks win frustrating clash to liberate Chicago

Tadhg Byrne was shown a controversial early red card as Ireland’s quest to create more special memories in Chicago ended in an emphatic 26-13 defeat to New Zealand.

Almost nine years after Ireland’s historic first win in this match, the All Blacks got revenge at Soldier Field thanks to tries from Ardie Savea, Tamaiti Williams, Wallace City and Cam Roigaard.

Ireland initially overcame Beirne’s controversial dismissal in the third minute for a high tackle on Beauden Barrett, who took the lead through three conversions, a Tadhg Furlong score and Jack Crowley’s eight points.

Oh, if you like made-up trophies in sport you’ll love this – of course, New Zealand won the Gallagher Cup thanks to today’s win.

I hear you asking, what is the Gallagher Cup?… Yes…

Anyway, they’ll have to put aside some of their Webb Ellis Cups to make room for it in the trophy cabinet.

Meanwhile, New Zealand can build on this early win as they also head to Europe after their Stateside adventure.

Scotland, after thrashing the United States 85-0 today, are the next challenge for the All Blacks before a thrilling clash with England and then a trip to Cardiff to face Wales. Can they be four on four?

New Zealand Autumn Campaign

Today: Ireland 13-26 New Zealand

8 November: Scotland v New Zealand

15 November: England vs New Zealand

22 November: Wales v New Zealand

A disappointing start for Andy Farrell’s men but they have now gone back to Ireland to nurse their wounds.

There should be a perfect match against Japan in Dublin next weekend before two more big fixtures against Australia and then South Africa to complete the November programme.

Those last two matches will be interesting.

ireland autumn campaign

Today: Ireland 13-26 New Zealand

8 November: Ireland vs. Japan

15 November: Ireland vs Australia

22 November: Ireland v South Africa

In contrast, Ireland were disappointed after slipping to defeat. Day captain Dan Sheehan could not hide his disappointment at the result.

“It’s a bitter pill to swallow,” Sheehan said. “To be honest, I never thought we would actually move forward.

“By half-time we were operating at about 80 per cent but in the second half there were a lot of inaccuracies and indiscipline. Our training over the last two weeks has been physical and good.

“Hopefully we can do better for Japan next week. Now we have three big games in the Aviva. We need to focus on our set-pieces and breakdowns, which is where we struggled massively today.”

All Blacks lock Fabian Holland impressed today and earned man of the match honours. What did he say about this victory?

“It was a huge game for us,” Holland said. “Thank you everyone for coming out, it means a lot to us.

“Credit to Ireland, they’re a great team. We’re excited to get the win. We wanted to make a statement at the start of this tour and hopefully we did that.

“We had to adjust to Scott and Jordie Barrett in the first half and the boys performed very well. We wanted to continue to play All Black rugby in the second half and support each other.”

Here is the best of Ireland’s victory at Soldier Field.

The All Blacks had enough for Ireland in the end and it’s been a disappointing start to the autumn for Andy Farrell’s men

And it’s all over in Chicago. That day was avenged in 2016 when New Zealand produced a strong second half performance to defeat Ireland.

It’s not the return Andy Farrell wanted from Lions duty as he squandered a 10-0 lead and the All Blacks got the job done.

Roigaard comes off immediately after that try as Cortez Ratima is in as the final All Black sub. They can watch this game right now.