Ireland and New Zealand return to Chicago’s Soldier Field for the first time since their historic 2016 clash, when Ireland beat the All Blacks for the very first time. Nine years later, the rematch promises to be another fascinating battle between two of the world’s top sides. Here we take a look at the game from a betting perspective and highlight a few suggested plays.
Ireland
Ireland’s Six Nations campaign ended in disappointment earlier this year after a crucial defeat to France cost them the title. They didn’t undertake a traditional June/July southern-hemisphere tour due to the British & Irish Lions schedule but did record comfortable wins against Georgia and Portugal, including a 106–7 rout of the Portuguese.
While Ireland may not be operating at quite the same peak levels seen in 2023–24, they remain a formidable outfit, having won nine of their last ten Tests.
Ireland Lineup
Starting XV: 15 Jamie Osborne, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 James Lowe, 10 Jack Crowley, 9 Jamison Gibson-Park, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Ryan Baird, 5 Tadhg Beirne, 4 James Ryan, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Dan Sheehan (c), 1 Andrew Porter
Replacements: 16 Ronan Kelleher, 17 Paddy McCarthy, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Iain Henderson, 20 Caelan Doris, 21 Craig Casey, 22 Sam Prendergast, 23 Bundee Aki
New Zealand
New Zealand endured a mixed Rugby Championship campaign, finishing second after defeats to both South Africa and Argentina. The All Blacks were humbled 43–10 by the Springboks at home but finished strongly with back-to-back wins over Australia, including a 28–14 victory in their most recent outing.
New Zealand starting Lineup
Starting XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Scott Barrett, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Simon Parker, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Peter Lakai.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 23 Damian McKenzie.
Head-to-head
Since Ireland’s famous first win in 2016, they’ve gone on to beat the All Blacks in five of their last ten meetings – a record few teams can boast. However, New Zealand have held the upper hand recently, claiming two consecutive wins, the latest a 23–13 victory in Dublin.
Betting and Verdict
New Zealand are favourites at around 1.47 for the win, with Ireland 3.15 and the draw 20.00.
These are two of the world’s most evenly matched sides, and recent encounters have generally been tight. In three of the last four meetings, Ireland have lost by more than four points only once. That trend points towards another close contest, and even if New Zealand edge it, Ireland can stay within the handicap.
Suggested Bet: Handicap – Ireland (+6.5) at 1.83
Both teams are stacked with attacking talent and rarely shy away from an open game. Ireland piled up 106 points against Portugal, while New Zealand crossed four times in their last match against Australia. Three of their last five meetings have produced 52 points or more, and the last time they met in Chicago saw 69 points scored. Conditions in Soldier Field should be good for running rugby, suggesting another high-scoring encounter.
Suggested Bet: Total points over 50.5 at 2.15
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing and subject to change.
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Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
