New Zealand Head Coach Scott Robertson has handed Beauden Barrett and Caleb Clarke a recall for Saturday's Autumn Nations Series Test against Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The All Blacks are looking to rediscover their spark this autumn, but Robertson is wary of the challenge ahead. "There's more margins," he said. "There's a referee's call or a second effort or a bounce of the ball that's gone either way." Despite the Kiwis' impressive Rugby World Cup quarter-final win in Paris last year under Ian Foster, Robertson insists his team do not have an edge over Ireland.
The two teams have a long and storied history, with Ireland having beaten New Zealand four times since their historic 2016 victory in Chicago. The All Blacks are well aware of the challenge ahead, but Robertson is confident that his side will be on their best. "You expect the best of them," he said. "We've got to be on our best on the day."
Barrett returns at fly-half after missing the final Rugby Championship game against Australia with a shoulder injury. His brother Jordie Barrett starts alongside him, while Scott Barrett is also in the starting lineup.
Winger Caleb Clarke also misses out due to an injury but will replace Damian McKenzie off the bench. Leinster-bound centre Rieko Ioane does not make the matchday squad, according to Robertson who believes that a hard team to pick requires a constant effort.
In contrast, Ireland's squad is filled with experience and form, as they look to build on their win over Australia last season. The stage is set for an intense battle between two of rugby's top teams, and fans are eagerly anticipating the match at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The All Blacks are looking to rediscover their spark this autumn, but Robertson is wary of the challenge ahead. "There's more margins," he said. "There's a referee's call or a second effort or a bounce of the ball that's gone either way." Despite the Kiwis' impressive Rugby World Cup quarter-final win in Paris last year under Ian Foster, Robertson insists his team do not have an edge over Ireland.
The two teams have a long and storied history, with Ireland having beaten New Zealand four times since their historic 2016 victory in Chicago. The All Blacks are well aware of the challenge ahead, but Robertson is confident that his side will be on their best. "You expect the best of them," he said. "We've got to be on our best on the day."
Barrett returns at fly-half after missing the final Rugby Championship game against Australia with a shoulder injury. His brother Jordie Barrett starts alongside him, while Scott Barrett is also in the starting lineup.
Winger Caleb Clarke also misses out due to an injury but will replace Damian McKenzie off the bench. Leinster-bound centre Rieko Ioane does not make the matchday squad, according to Robertson who believes that a hard team to pick requires a constant effort.
In contrast, Ireland's squad is filled with experience and form, as they look to build on their win over Australia last season. The stage is set for an intense battle between two of rugby's top teams, and fans are eagerly anticipating the match at Soldier Field in Chicago.
The All Blacks need a win badly to get back on track, and Beauden Barrett's return is a huge boost. Those two brothers are like magic on the field together 
. But Ireland's squad looks super solid too, they're gonna give it their all for sure 
. I'm loving how Scott Robertson's being honest about the margins, you can tell he's not taking anything for granted 
. And Soldier Field in Chicago is gonna be electric, can't wait to see the boys in action! 
... I mean, Beauden Barrett & Caleb Clarke r back in the squad now, but I still think they gotta step up their game 
. Those Irish lads r always so consistent & well-prepared, u know? The Kiwis r lucky to have made it that far in the World Cup last year 
... but Robertson's like "we don't got no edge over them" 
, what's wrong mate? Can't see how they're gonna beat 'em w/ their current squad 
. Leinster-bound Rieko Ioane missin out too? That's a big loss for the All Blacks... they need all the experience & skills they can get 
️
"You expect the best of them" - I love that confidence! 
83% chance of success for New Zealand against Ireland this year, but 50% chance of injury for Barrett before the match, which is pretty low considering he's been out for almost a month 
. Also, have you seen the odds on Ireland winning? 42% 
. Robertson thinks there are more margins to the game, which I think is true... 
Did you see their win-loss record against Ireland since '16? 4-1 
. They've got some big names like Jordie Barrett starting, but can they carry that momentum? 
. And omg, the stage is set for a BLOWOUT match! Soldier Field is gonna be electric, and I'm low-key hoping for a high-intensity game that'll leave us all breathless 
this is such a big game for both teams, and i can feel how anxious Scott Robertson must be feeling about not having that extra edge over Ireland... he's been working with these guys for years, but it's a whole new level of competition now... 
. and who's surprised rieko ioane didn't make squad tho? always struggled with injuries
it was like my heart was gonna burst out of my chest i've been following rugby for ages and scott robertson is literally my favorite coach i love how he's being humble tho about the challenge ahead 
. The All Blacks need to bring their A-game if they wanna take down the Irish 
! But we gotta keep it real, Ireland's not going down without a fight 
...
. i mean, have you seen their squad? they've got some amazing players like beauden barrett and jordie barrett 
. but at the same time, ireland is looking fierce too 
!
... let's see if they can get it going this time 
. Bring on Saturday at Soldier Field in Chicago 
!
... like the All Blacks trying to rediscover their spark. It's easy to get caught up in the hype of a big game, but Coach Robertson is keeping it real by saying there are more margins than just talent or skill 
️? Like when you're watching a big game and everyone around you is cheering for their team, but you're not sure if that's really about the teams themselves or just about which side of the rivalry they're on 
. It's like, can't we just enjoy the game for what it is?
A team that thinks a bounce of the ball can change the game? 
Those lads are on fire right now and I'm expecting an absolute barnburner of a game 
. But I'm a bit worried about Caleb Clarke's injury, hope he's fit and ready to go 
guess it's a tough call for Scott Robertson 
, should be an absolute nail-biter!