Depleted All Blacks brace for Irish onslaught

Ireland's arrived in Chicago for Sunday's test against the All Blacks plagued by controversy.

First five Paddy Jackson's been left behind after being accused of sexual assault, while the team's choice of accomodation's also been questioned.

Their decision to stay at The Trump International Hotel hasn't gone down well back home.

"Bit of a laugh to pull up to Trump Tower at this time," said Jamie Heaslip.

"The hotel is great, the beds are comfy and the food is good."

And there's another issue at home that's followed them to Chicago as well, with Jackson left behind after revelations he was arrested in June following a sexual assault claim in Belfast.

His Ulster club says he denies the allegations and the Irish won't be drawn on it either.

The All Blacks on the other hand are happy to have halfback Aaron Smith back after his indiscretions.

"He's shaped up really well," said assistant coach Ian Foster.

"He's come into the camp and again is just focussing on doing his job and as far as we're concerned he's back to normal."

The All Blacks are training at Toyota Park, about half an hour out of town.

It's the home of the Chicago major league soccer club, and it's also the place where the Maori All Blacks will play the USA.

Lock Luke Romano's left the team - he's headed home for a family bereavement – meaning newcomers Scott Barrett and Vaea Fafita have suddenly come right into the selection spotlight.

"Often you can tell when guys come in, if they have an aptitude to step up - and both look like they've learnt really, really quickly," said Foster.

The All Blacks will be hoping so, because putting it into practice in the caldron of test rugby may come a lot sooner than either of them expected.

Newshub.

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