Ireland v All Blacks
Kick-off: 9:10am Sunday 2 November NZT
Soldier Field, Chicago
Live blog updates on RNZ
For some of the All Blacks, coming to the US is a new experience. But not for one of their coaching staff, for whom the country and its biggest sport have a special connection. Tamati Ellison's surname is synonymous with success in American Football, with his uncle Riki a three-time Superbowl champion in the 1980s with the San Francisco 49ers. Riki's son Rhett also played in the NFL, having an eight-year career with the Minnesota Vikings and New York Giants.
"It is nice to know that I've had some family here that have done really well," said Tamati Ellison at the All Blacks' University of Illinois training ground. He said he saw his uncle earlier this year, at a tangi for Riki's father Dan.
Māori Sports Hall of Fame inductee Riki Ellison (Ngāi Tahu).
Māori Sports Hall of Fame inductee Riki Ellison (Ngāi Tahu). Photo: www.photosport.nz
"He was well, still looking in really good nick and still super confident. His kids have done well, I'd love an opportunity to go see them (on this trip) but it won't happen this time."
Ellison finds himself in an interesting environment among the All Black coaching staff, with the recent surprise announcement that Jason Holland will be leaving at the end of this season. That means there could potentially be a reshuffle, which would be the second in two seasons, however Ellison was more interested in talking about their Irish opponents this weekend at Soldier Field.
Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants in action against Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium.
Rhett Ellison #85 of the New York Giants in action against Jaylon Smith #54 of the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium. Photo: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
"They've definitely grown," Ellison said. "They were world leading in some of their attacking shape, their short passing; and some of the teams have copied that. We understand where the Irish have been in recent years. They've earned a lot of respect."
His sentiments echoed those of Scott Robertson, who noted that Ireland aim to keep the ball in hand to "drag you deep into the phase count".
Sitting in the opposition coaching box will be a familiar face. Andrew Goodman was coach of Tasman and later one of Robertson's assistants at the Crusaders, before moving to Ireland to take charge of Leinster. Goodman is now the Irish backs coach, one of a large contingent of New Zealanders on and off the field for Ireland.
"The rivalry has been building over the last few years for sure not including some of the Kiwi players on their side but some of the Kiwi coaches who have been involved as well. They play a beautiful brand of rugby," said Ellison.
The test at Soldier Field is sold out, on what might be a very big day for American sport. The World Series between the Toronto Blue Jays and LA Dodgers is currently tied at 2-2, if it goes to a deciding seventh game that will take place on Saturday evening after the All Blacks play Ireland.
Robertson names his All Black side on Friday morning NZT.
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