All Blacks Deliver Clinical Second Half to Defeat Ireland 26–13 in Chicago
November 1, 2025 – Soldier Field, Chicago
Final Score: New Zealand 26 – Ireland 13
Halftime: Ireland 10 – 7
All Blacks Turn the Tide After Early Irish Control
The All Blacks reclaimed Chicago in emphatic fashion, overturning a halftime deficit to beat Ireland 26–13 in the Gallagher Cup. Nine years after Ireland’s famous 2016 win at the same venue, New Zealand’s second-half precision and leadership from Ardie Savea proved decisive in a match that mixed physicality, controversy, and clinical execution.
Ireland started with control and composure, using their maul and territory pressure to edge ahead 10–7 by halftime. Even after Tadhg Beirne’s early red card for a shoulder-to-head challenge on Beauden Barrett, Andy Farrell’s men stayed organised and resilient. But as the game wore on, the All Blacks found rhythm, tempo, and discipline — traits that have long defined their rugby identity.
First Half: Ireland Grind, New Zealand Chase
Ireland’s early phases were smart and structured. Jack Crowley kicked them ahead 3-0 before Tadhg Furlong powered over after a sustained maul. The All Blacks, disrupted by early injuries to both Barrett brothers, struck back through Ardie Savea, who finished a sweeping counterattack down the right edge. Beauden Barrett’s touchline conversion narrowed the gap to 10–7.
New Zealand showed flashes of attacking sharpness, but handling errors and a few lineout misfires kept Ireland in front at the break.
Second Half: Composure and Power from the All Blacks
The second half was all New Zealand. Their defensive line tightened, and their carries began to break Irish tackles. Cody Taylor’s work around the ruck and Dalton Papalii’s pressure at the breakdown helped flip field position, while Beauden Barrett’s kicking game controlled tempo.
Replacement hooker Williams powered over from close range to reclaim the lead. Moments later, Sione Sititi — one of several rising Polynesian talents in the squad — burst through midfield off a Damien McKenzie break to extend the gap. When Cam Roigard added a late try from a quick tap, the contest was effectively sealed.
From 10–7 down, the All Blacks outscored Ireland 19–3 in the second half — a commanding turnaround built on discipline and depth.
Savea Leads from the Front
Ardie Savea was everywhere — one try, multiple turnovers, and relentless defensive presence. His leadership underlined why he remains central to this All Blacks era. Calm in chaos, authoritative in contact, Savea was the link between forwards and backs, setting standards for a team still balancing experience and transition.
Ireland Falter After Bright Start
Ireland’s plan worked early: structure, territory, and accuracy. But the loss of Beirne and a faltering lineout (five steals conceded) drained their momentum. Crowley’s penalty briefly restored a six-point cushion at 13–7, but defensive fatigue told. A late spill from Lowe and a mis-thrown lineout summed up a night where effort outweighed execution.
By the Numbers
Try Scorers and Conversions
New Zealand (All Blacks)
- Tries: Ardie Savea, Asafo Aumua (Williams), Sione Sititi, Cam Roigard
- Conversions: Beauden Barrett (3 from 4)
Ireland
- Try: Tadhg Furlong
- Conversions: Jack Crowley (1 from 1)
- Penalties: Jack Crowley (2 from 3)
| Category | Ireland | New Zealand |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 46% | 54% |
| Territory | 48% | 52% |
| Penalties | 9 | 12 |
| Lineouts | 85% | 80% |
| Carries | 108 | 120+ (Savea & Sititi leading) |
| Turnovers Conceded | 10 | 14 forced |
| Cards | 1 Red (Beirne, 9′) | 0 |
Reaction and Context
Head coach Scott Robertson praised the composure of his squad:
“We adjusted well. The bench changed the game — we kept the ball, trusted our systems, and finished strong.”
Media around the world called it a statement win.
- The Guardian: “A ruthless 19–3 second-half surge — Savea’s leadership immense.”
- BBC Sport: “Chicago redemption — the All Blacks avenge 2016.”
- RugbyPass: “Sititi and Roigard announce themselves as the next generation.”
A Professional Statement, Not a Fairytale
This wasn’t about flair or revenge. It was a composed, technically sound performance — the kind of win that reasserts the All Blacks’ place atop the rugby hierarchy. The influence of players like Savea, Sititi, and Fainga’anuku reflects the continuing strength of New Zealand’s Pacific talent pool, but the real story was structure and control.
New Zealand leave Chicago with silverware and a message: when the All Blacks combine precision with poise, few teams can match them.
