All Blacks to play Ireland ... in USA

Cape Town - Rugby World Cup champions New Zealand are heading back to Soldier Field in Chicago next November to face Ireland.

The match will be on November 5, according to Friday's Irish Times.

New Zealand played the United States in the first rugby match at Soldier Field, the home of the NFL's Chicago Bears, en route to Europe in 2014.

A second-string All Blacks side won 74-6, but drew a sell-out crowd of 61 500 in what was considered a marketing and promotional success.

However, only 23 000 turned up at Soldier Field in September to see Australia beat the USA 47-10 in a World Cup warm-up.

But the combined popularity of New Zealand and Ireland should ensure another sell-out in what is expected to be a doubleheader, with the USA to face opposition yet to be determined.

Ireland will host a second match against New Zealand in Dublin on November 19, followed by World Cup finalists Australia on November 26.