All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor looks back on 2016 Chicago defeat to Ireland ahead of Autumn Series opener

Thursday, 30 October 2025 at 15:03

byTom Sansom

Hooker Codie Taylor and lock Sam Darry are preparing for a high-stakes showdown in Chicago on Sunday (NZT) as the All Blacks face Ireland at Soldier Field. While Taylor brings experience and perspective from past encounters, Darry is relishing the opportunity to stake his claim after returning from a shoulder injury.

Taylor, a veteran of the 29-40 2016 loss, in what was the All Blacks' first ever defeat against Ireland, reflected upon the clash from nine years ago: "We probably turned up, got caught up in the lights of the city and went down to an Irish team that was determined to beat us for the first time.

"We reflected on that and this week we've had the opportunity to get out and see some things in Chicago and now Test week has rolled around and there is a sense of intensity with the preparation, even for a Monday."

"They're a world class outfit, and they're a team that backs themselves. They set the standard for how to play a good brand of rugby, the way they structure their attack and defence. They set a new standard there for a wee while, and they're still doing that.

"We've got the utmost respect for the way they can play. We've won the last couple, but every Test match is tough against them. To see that it's five [wins] apiece over the last many years shows the rivalry's there, and they're a good side."

Sam Darry is a late addition to the All Blacks squad, as the forward joins the fray following an injury to his Auckland Blues teammate Patrick Tuipulotu. Darry was delighted to get the nod from All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson, having battled back from an injury of his own:

"It was special to be called back into the side after suffering a shoulder injury at the start of the year, it was also a weird feeling because it was at the expense of my Blues teammate Patrick Tuipulotu… It is an awesome opportunity to come in and be part of a group and to try and grow as a player and keep getting better."

Darry added: "We've been fortunate to have the weekend to get ourselves into a bit of routine, go for a look around, enjoy what Chicago has to offer and then today we got into Test week which is very exciting."

On the tour outlook, Darry said: "While there has been talk of a Grand Slam opportunity, games had to be taken one at a time. Success on the tour for the side would be four wins. But players had goals of their own for the tour, and they also want to improve as a team, and that has to start with Ireland at the weekend."