All Blacks beat Ireland, Barretts ruled out for Scotland Test

The All Blacks rallied in the second half to defeat Ireland 26-13 at Soldier Field in Chicago on Saturday, but the victory came at a cost: captain Scott Barrett and centre Jordie Barrett were ruled out of New Zealand’s next Test against Scotland after sustaining injuries in the opening quarter, the team said. The match marked the All Blacks’ first meeting with Ireland in Chicago since the Irish side’s landmark win there in 2016.

New Zealand trailed for much of the first half and were briefly down a player after Ireland lock Tadhg Beirne was sent off, but produced a decisive late surge as bench players and forward pressure shifted the momentum. The scrum proved influential in the second half, winning penalties that allowed the All Blacks to relieve pressure and build sustained periods in Ireland’s 22, coach Scott Robertson said. The bench, including Leicester Faingaanuku and Tamaiti Williams, provided impact in the final 20 minutes, Robertson added.

Robertson named a 23 for the contest that combined experience and recent form. Beauden Barrett returned at flyhalf after recovering from a minor injury, partnered at halfback by Cam Roigard. The midfield retained Quinn Tupaea at...