The real reasons Ireland are back playing the All Blacks in Chicago

Ireland players, from left, Craig Gilroy, Cian Healy, Jared Payne and Donnacha Ryan celebrate victory after the International rugby match between Ireland and New Zealand at Soldier Field in Chicago in 2016. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

We may only still be in October, but a St Patrick’s Day vibe − tinged with black − has swept through Chicago this week.

It is nine years since Ireland made history by defeating New Zealand for the first time at the iconic Soldier Field stadium, and it seems the return fixture between the two sides on Saturday − which has been billed as ‘The Rematch’ − has generated even more interest.

See Full Page