Tadhg Beirne was shown a contentious early red card as Ireland 's quest to create more special memories in Chicago ended in an emphatic 26-13 loss to New Zealand.

The All Blacks started their Grand Slam pursuit with a grinding 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago but face a nervous wait over the fate of Barrett brothers Scott and Jordie. The pair were forced off injured in the first half and will be in some doubt ahead of the next match of the tour against Scotland next weekend.

Some praised the win as a spirited comeback, while others emphasised the Irish side's collapse in the second-half.

Ireland returns on Saturday to Chicago’s Soldier Field, the scene of its first win over New Zealand, to face the All Blacks almost nine years to the day since that historic victory.

The iconic New Zealand rugby team face Ireland in Chicago on Saturday as they seek to reestablish their dominance in the sport

New Zealand's All Blacks earned their Chicago revenge on Saturday with a 26-13 victory at Soldier Field after a highly controversial Tadhg Beirne 20-minute red card.

There’s a growing concern in New Zealand that the focus is more on winning investment than on the All Blacks’ ability to win games