Gunshots, glory, tears and pride – how Ireland beat the All Blacks in Chicago

While the Cubs were celebrating a World Series, Ireland made history

Tadhg Furlong and Ultan Dillane lead the celebrations after Ireland beat New Zealand at Soldier Field in 2016. Photo: Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

On the eve of leading his side out against the All Blacks at Soldier Field, Rory Best wandered over to the floor-to-ceiling mirror somewhere in the upper floors of the Trump Hotel and gazed down at 42 open top buses snaking their way through the streets of Chicago which were thronged by five million people celebrating the Cubs’ World Series win.

“Could be you lads in Dublin on Monday,” we remarked. The Ireland captain raised an eyebrow and snorted, before making his way to the podium for his pre-match

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