The last time the All Blacks and Ireland met at Chicago’s Soldier Field in 2016, Ireland famously broke a 111-year drought to claim their first-ever win over New Zealand.
Back then, Soldier Field was a sea of green. Thousands flew across from Ireland, while many more came from the enormous Irish-American community across Chicago and the wider United States. The result was a crowd that roared Ireland home – and one that could’ve convinced any neutral they were playing in Dublin, not Illinois.
Fast forward to 2025, and history looks set to repeat. Tickets have long sold out, and once again, it’s expected that the majority of the 60,000-plus crowd will be wearing green.
But that hasn’t stopped a curious claim from the New Zealand Herald, which ran a Facebook post this week under the headline: “The All Blacks have sold out a huge Chicago stadium; can they now help save US rugby?”
The wording raised more than a few eyebrows, especially among Irish fans, who were quick to remind everyone exactly who fills Soldier Field when Ireland come to town.
Given Chicago’s Irish heritage – an estimated 400,000 residents claim Irish ancestry – and the relative proximity of Ireland to the US compared with New Zealand, it didn’t take long for social media to push back.
The comments section was soon flooded with replies, many poking fun at the Herald’s suggestion that the All Blacks were responsible for selling out the venue.
“What do you mean the ABs sold out the stadium? There will be 75% Irish fans there, FFS.”
“Gonna be 95% Irish there to welcome the ABs…”
“Psss… I was there in 2016 – it was (and will be again) an Ireland home game.”
Even Springboks fans weighed in.
For context, the 2016 Test wasn’t just a famous victory – it was a festival of Irish pride. Fans painted downtown Chicago green, pubs overflowed, and renditions of The Fields of Athenry echoed long into the night. It remains one of Ireland’s most celebrated rugby moments, and for many, one of the most memorable sporting days in Chicago’s history.
So while the All Blacks may be chasing redemption and another global spectacle, the crowd dynamic at Soldier Field is unlikely to change.
If anything, it’ll be another reminder that when it comes to travelling support, few nations in rugby can match the Irish.
And as one fan joked under the Herald’s post:
“The All Blacks might have sold the tickets, but Ireland will own the night.”
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/10/31/and-they-call-saffas-arrogant-wild-all-blacks-claim-riles-up-rival-fans/‘And they call Saffas arrogant!’ Wild All Blacks claim riles up rival fans
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