A bit of history will be made on Saturday as the All Blacks arrive at Soldier Field to play the Eagles on American soil for the first time in a century. The two countries last played at the 1991 World Cup, where the All Blacks won by 40 points in Gloucester. The bookies are favoring a serious blowout, and every prediction suggests an overwhelming victory for the world champions, but with some 60,000 fans expected and the emotion of the occasion, this doesn’t necessarily have to be so one-sided.

Coach Mike Tolkin will be hoping to get the best out of his Premiership stars, as it will be their one and only performance in Eagles colours in November. Samu Manoa has been in top form for Northampton and should be good for a couple big hits, and Chris Wyles will look to be at his inspirational best, directing the defense from his rear-guard spot. Eric Fry finally returns to his favoured loosehead position, and the Newcastle Falcon will be looking to prove that he belongs in the scrum against the best.

Adam Siddall gets to front up against his countrymen at flyhalf, and his boot will have to be a lot more on than off if the Eagles are to put points on the board. Andrew Suniula has the unenviable task of welcoming Sonny Bill Williams back to test rugby. It’s a tall order but Williams could be a bit rusty after a year and a half out of the game.

Steve Hansen has expectedly named a second string side, though Kieran Read is retained to captain in Richie McCaw’s stead and Dan Carter is expected to feature at some point from the bench. Nathan Harris gets his first test start at hooker, and Victor Vito is back in after missing the Rugby Championship with injury. Patrick Tu’ipulotu gets a run in the second row, and if we’re lucky we might get to see a colossal Samoan showdown between the big Blue and Saint Manoa.

New reserve halfback Augustine Pulu will make his test debut at some point, with a number of test regulars alongside to make sure things go more swimmingly. The crowd will be hoping the likes of Julian Savea and Liam Messam get to strut their stuff on the Chicago turf. With the fringe players all looking to earn regular spots in the side, the top dogs will have to make sure they reply with their best once they arrive.

This should be a thrilling spectacle given the context, and referee Craig Joubert will most certainly be looking to let the game go. Hopefully we’ll get a bit of magic, and maybe even an American try or two, but whatever happens this needs to be a watershed moment for American rugby. If the players deliver, and there’s no reason to think they won’t, this could herald a new era of professionalism in the land of opportunity. Here’s hoping the Eagles play their best. If they do, look for a New Zealand win by 20. If not, look out.

UNITED STATES vs NEW ZEALAND
Saturday, November 1, 21:30 GMT, Chicago

Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU)
Assistants: Chris Assmus (RC) & Andrew McMaster (RC)
TMO: Bryan Arciero (RC)