James Ryan: 'If you switch off  for a split-second, that's all they need'

“We can't miss a moment, that's the mantra that we've touched on the last few weeks,” says James Ryan ahead of All Blacks clash

10 November 2021; James Ryan during Ireland rugby squad training at Carton House in Maynooth, Kildare. Photo by Brendan Moran/Sportsfile

The first time is always the sweetest. Chicago five years ago is no exception.

Ireland had come up short 29 times against the All Blacks before that day in Soldier Field. One draw had been the sum return for all that huff and puff so the 40-29 victory on the shores of Lake Michigan can’t ever be watered down.