A belated and decisive final-quarter flourish exorcised the All Blacks’ demons in Chicago to preserve their quest to clinch a Grand Slam tour.

Ireland’s hopes of beating the All Blacks in Chicago got off to the worst possible start after Tadhg Beirne was red-carded for making contact with the head of Beauden Barrett after just three minutes.

The All Blacks started their Grand Slam pursuit with a grinding 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago but face a nervous wait over the fate of Barrett brothers Scott and Jordie. The pair were forced off injured in the first half and will be in some doubt ahead of the next match of the tour against Scotland next weekend.

Rugby fans are excited for the Gallagher Cup match between Ireland and the New Zealand All Blacks at Soldier Field, hoping to recreate the epic 2016 win and experience the haka and the rivalry

Ireland 13. By Liam Napier in Chicago. A belated, decisive final quarter flourish exercised the All Blacks’ demons in Chicago to preserve their quest to clinch a Grand Slam tour

The iconic New Zealand rugby team face Ireland in Chicago on Saturday as they seek to reestablish their dominance in the sport