SHEEHAN IS BELIEVING

Dan: We all saw the joy that 2016 win against All Blacks brought to Ireland.. now we want to do it all over again

- BY EDWARD ELLIOT

STAND-IN captain Dan Sheehan says there is "massive" excitement among Ireland's players as they bid to create more special memories against New Zealand in Chicago.

Ireland famously recorded a first victory over the All Blacks - winning 40-29 - when the sides previously clashed at Soldier Field in 2016.

Since that landmark occasion, the fixture has developed into a genuine rivalry, with Ireland winning four of the next nine meetings, including a historic 2-1 tour success in 2022.

However, New Zealand defeated Ireland in the quarterfinals of the 2019 and 2023 Rugby World Cups, in addition to winning 23-13 in Dublin last November.