Whilst we can think of better place to be than Chicago, Illinois in November, the All-Blacks will be there to play rugby against Ireland on November 5.
From there, both side will head to Dublin, Ireland, to resume autumn internationals play.
The Saturday game in Chicago will be played at Soldier Field, home of the NFL’s Chicago Bears, who will be idle that week due to a bye.
The All-Blacks are a major drawing card for U.S. rugby supporters. When the U.S. played New Zealand previously at Soldier Field, back on November 1 of 2014, almost 62,000 spectators were on hand to see the Kiwis administer a 74 – 6 clinic to the Yanks.
The only other time a rugby Test involving the U.S. drew beyond 50,000 was October of 2015, when 55,000 Londoners turned out to watch South Africa beat the Americans 64 – nil in Olympic Stadium, but then, Londoners turn out well for anything, if the recently played NFL contest betwixt the Cincinnati Bengals and Washington Redskins at Wembley Stadium is any indication.
While it is unlikely that the All-Blacks can do to the Irish what they did to the U.S., in 28 Test matches all-time, Ireland has never won, but they did manage a draw on one occasion. Overall, the All-Blacks have outpointed the ICRU 812 – 310.