The after-effects of Ireland's defeat by the All Blacks in Chicago could linger for a while. Photograph: Gary Carr/Inpho
This much hyped return to Chicago was damaging, both on and off the field, and potentially both in the short term and long term. The Rematch, as it was labelled in the build-up, did not live up to its billing from an Irish perspective, neither for the tens of thousands among the 61,000-plus sell-out crowd at Soldier Field, nor for the team.
The 26-13 defeat assuredly affected the experience of, it seemed, the largely disgruntled Irish supporters during what was at times a shambolic advertisement for the sport, but they could at least park that and enjoy Chicago’s night life.
For an acutely disappointed Andy Farrell and his players, the after-effects will have lingered into the journey home and may continue to be felt throughout the rest of a demanding month.
Soldier Field hasn’t changed a jot
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