Soldier soldiers: Three Chicago battles to watch

Ireland take on the All Blacks on Saturday night.

FAMILIAR FACE: James Lowe Pic: INPHO/Dan Sheridan

Tadhg Furlong vs Ethan de Groot 

Seeking to avoid a third-straight reversal against the All Blacks, Ireland are very aware that the set piece will decide plenty. The All Blacks scrum, like their wider fortunes, fluctuated wildly during the Rugby Championship. Scott Robertson has restored Ethan de Groot to his front line to spark the Grand Slam assault, with Tamati Williams in reserve.

“Both big men,” Furlong acknowledged, giving up three inches of height and almost two stone of weight to De Groot. “They’re that kind of tall loosehead, big man, like to attack, similar to Joe Moody who was there just before. They pick big, heavy men.” 

James Lowe vs Leroy Carter 

Soldier Field makes for tighter confines than some Test venues. Finding space — and width — won’t be an easy thing. On the All Blacks' right/Ireland’s left we’ll have a North Island-South Island battle. Carter is a late convert from Sevens who has thrived so far, scoring three tries in his first three caps. Lowe has looked particularly focused this week.

“I think that James has made a great career for himself over in Ireland,” said All Blacks coach Scott Robertson. “We’ve got a young, fledging winger that's come pretty good. He’s come from Sevens, so they've got their own storylines. That'll be a great head-to-head.”


Jack Crowley vs Beauden Barrett 

It would have been easy to pick any of the back-row showdowns in here or indeed the battle of the benches, which will play a massive part. However the No.10s loom so large for both teams and given that Crowley has wrestled the playmaker’s jersey back of an emphatic victory in a head-to-head faceoff, it’s tantalising to think of what he may have in store Saturday. Barrett’s relentless march towards becoming just the fourth man ever to hit 150 caps continues with No. 142 on Saturday, moving him clear of Brian O’Driscoll and level with Sergio Parisse. Only Richie McCaw, James Slipper, Sam Whitelock and Alun Wyn Jones have more. Experience vs re-emergence, then? Opportunity knocks for Crowley and Ireland will need him to be at his best.