The Ulster player was surprisingly chosen ahead of Bundee Aki and Robbie Henshaw for his 22nd cap – just his ninth Test start against a Tier 1 nation, 10 seasons on from his debut at Twickenham. His hard carrying beyond contact, as well as his offloading ability, gave Ireland another attacking dimension.

Nine years on from an historic success over the All Blacks, Ireland return to Chicago to take on New Zealand again. Then coached by Joe Schmidt, Ireland secured their first ever victory over the world champions at Soldier Field in 2016,

New Zealand recovered from a 10-point deficit to open their bid for an Autumn Nations Series Grand Slam with a hard-fought 26-13 victory over 14-man Ireland at Soldier Field on

Appropriately, New Zealand had a Holland and Barrett in their side, which was a reminder to order eye health capsules. The game, then, was a sight that caused sore eyes. Did Ireland win?