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Ireland last faced the All-Blacks in November 2013. James Crombie/INPHO

Reports: Ireland lined up to face the All Blacks in Chicago in 2016

New Zealand are hoping to play two games in Chicago in 2016.

IRELAND ARE BEING touted as potential opponents for a test match against the All Blacks in the US next Autumn.

Reports in New Zealand say the All Blacks are lining up two games at the Chicago Bears’ Soldier Field, with the NZ Maori and the All-Blacks playing on successive nights.

Last year, the All Blacks took on the USA Eagles in front of 62,000 people at the NFL stadium, winning a one sided game 74-6.

The New Zealand Herald say the NZR are hoping to build on last year’s success by returning in November 2016, with the Maori side set to face the USA Eagles, and the All-Blacks to to play another top test nation.

While neither country have confirmed talks, the report says that the Irish connection in America makes Joe Schmidt’s side the perfect opposition.

“Ireland have been mentioned previously as a potential opponent for the All Blacks in either Boston or Chicago, where many people with Irish connections have settled. The IRFU has also been touted as one union keen to broaden their rugby reach.”

New Zealand Rugby’s Chief Executive Steve Tew said they’re hoping to make an announcement about their plans for next year’s Autumn tour before the World Cup.

“The options are narrowing down and we hope it’s not long before we have something for you,” he said.

H-t New Zealand Herald

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10 Comments
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    Mute Barry Ward
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    Jul 29th 2015, 11:54 AM

    It will be the previous 2 winners of the World Cup! Makes perfect sense!

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    Mute Richard
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    Jul 29th 2015, 1:25 PM

    “The All Blacks, following yet another high-profile choke at last year’s World Cup, look to salvage their reputation as they take on defending World and triple Six Nations Champions Ireland…”

    I can hear the US TV announcers already.

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    Mute Dylan McDonald
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    Jul 29th 2015, 11:57 AM

    That would be an enjoyable spectacle once it doesn’t jeopardise NZ playing us in Ireland anytime soon.

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    Mute Peter Nagle
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    Jul 29th 2015, 12:31 PM

    Would certainly help our World Cup bid too. Any idea on the IRFU’s deal with Vodafone? Has it been confirmed?

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    Mute Sloop John G
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    Jul 29th 2015, 1:05 PM

    Sounds like a good idea. There is a big Irish population in Chicago so game would be a sell out.

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    Mute Maire Ui Riain
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    Jul 29th 2015, 3:09 PM

    Think Vodafone deal is done

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    Mute David Linehan
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    Jul 30th 2015, 8:23 AM

    Any excuse to visit the bro. All blacks played the Eagles in soldier field last year. Close to a sell out.

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    Mute philip ryan
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    Jul 29th 2015, 2:26 PM

    Mom there!!

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    Mute philip ryan
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    Jul 29th 2015, 2:26 PM

    I’m there even!

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    Mute Donal Treacy
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    Jul 30th 2015, 7:26 PM

    IRFU would be giving up a lot of revenue by playing there. €60 per ticket x 50K seats is 3 million euro. The sponsorship and our share of the gate would need to be suitable compensation for losing this plus all the travel of the team and management but our fans losing out on a home November test against the All Blacks.

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