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The All Blacks produced a stunning 74-6 victory against the USA Eagles in Chicago on Sunday morning.
FINAL SCORE:
All Blacks 74
USA Eagles 6
It is a historic day for rugby, with this match being played between hosts the USA Eagles and New Zealand’s All Blacks at the iconic Soldier Field in Chicago. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 7:00am (AEDT).
Today’s match marks the first game for the All Blacks on American soil since 1980 when the All Blacks triumphed on that occasion by 53-6 in San Diego, and Soldier Field has sold out with 61,000 due in attendance for this match.
The Eagles will want to put in a solid performance today in front of their passionate home fans and have named their strongest side possible including six players from the English Premiership.
Led by their charismatic Captain Todd Clever the Eagles will have plenty of shots to fire and will be buoyed by their home support.
Make no mistake, the Eagles will have their work cut out for them with the All Blacks naming a very strong side for the match with the biggest talking point being the reintroduction of Sonny Bill Williams to Test match rugby, and many eyes will be on how he transitions back into the fold and how his combination with Ryan Crotty at centre gels.
Dan Carter also makes his return to the All Black team, albeit from the bench and it will be interesting to see how much time he has from the bench.
Aaron Cruden makes his return to the starting line-up after serving his penance and will form a new look halves combination with TJ Perenara awarded a rare start.
Cory Jane and Charles Piatau make up the wings with Israel Dagg at fullback providing plenty of strike power for the Eagles to be wary of.
Kieran Read will captain the side from number 8 and Victor Vito makes a long awaited return to the starting team from blindside. Sam Cane also is afforded a rare start in Richie McCaws absence.
The tight five sees a number of fringe players afforded an opportunity. Jeremy Thrush and Patrick Tuipolotu form the second row while young props Charlie Faumuina and Joe Moody are this morning’s starting bookends with Nathan Harris afforded his first start at hooker.
The All Blacks strength can be summed up with one look at the bench with many regular starters riding the pine. Wyatt Crockett, Kevin Mealamu, Ben Franks, Liam Messam, Brodie Retallick and Julian Savea will provide the All Blacks with considerable ammunition from the bench along with the promising halfback Augustin Pulu on debut.
Make no mistake, the eighteenth world ranked Eagles have their work cut out for them taking on the number one team in the world but with nothing to lose and a sold out Soldier Field in support, a fast open and entertaining match awaits.
Join The Roar as we cover all the action live and don’t forget to comment as the match unfolds!
Tip: All Blacks by 30
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.