Rugby fans in the U.S. and Ireland have had to adjust their expectations for a high‑stakes match in Chicago. The Irish squad for the upcoming game against the New Zealand All Blacks will not include former prop Ryan Hansen, the 27‑year‑old who has been a regular in the squad for several seasons. His move to the sidelines comes as the team’s coaching staff fine‑tunes line‑ups for a match that many see as a decisive point in the World Cup campaign.
Hansen’s omission isn’t a surprise to anyone who follows the build‑up. The prop has battled a series of ankle and shoulder problems this season, and the coaching staff decided to give the younger front‑rowers a chance to shine on the biggest stage. “We’re keeping options open for the front row,” coach Andy Farrell said. “Hansen’s been training hard, but we felt the timing was right to give the squad depth and experience.”
The match in Chicago is part of a tour of the United States that began in Houston this month, with Ireland arriving on Sunday to prepare for their clash with the All Blacks. The Rugby World Cup organizers have marketed the fixture as a major sporting event, promising fans Sudden‑death, high‑speed play, and the chance to see the legendary New Zealand squad in a city that’s never hosted a rugby international before. The game will also showcase players like Ireland’s captain Siya Kolisi and New Zealand’s every‑day star Richie McCaw.
While Hansen will miss the Saturday match, he’s expected to return for the next leg of the tour, which takes the Irish side to Boston for a test against the USA Eagles. The coaching team remains focused on the immediate goal: a win over the All Blacks that would cement Ireland’s place among the top teams in the competition.
Fans will still enjoy a broad line‑up at the front row, with experienced props Conor O’Brien, Bredon McPherson, and up‑coming talent Tarahumara Oempty ready to step into the roles. They’ll be supported by a back‑line that has already scored some heavy points against England in previous fixtures.
In a nutshell, Ryan Hansen’s absence from the Chicago squad marks a strategic decision by Ireland’s management to rotate talent and manage player load. The upcoming match against the All Blacks will be a key test of depth and resilience for both teams. If you’re planning to watch the showdown live on CBS or streaming online, you’ll want to keep an eye on the squad announcements as the match approaches—it could very well change the balance in a game that everyone’s watching.”
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