A Pasifika-lens on the All Blacks’ big night in Chicago.
When the All Blacks walked off the field at Soldier Field in Chicago on November 1, 2025, every click of the scoreboard spoke to legacy, culture, identity and redemption. For the Pasifika community woven into the fabric of New Zealand rugby, this match held deeper meaning.
The Setting
Nine years after Ireland’s historic 40-29 win at the same venue, this fixture was aptly billed as the rematch. The stadium was a sea of color and energy, completely sold out with 61,841 fans filling every seat, proving just how magnetic this matchup is on a global stage. Ireland struck first through a try by Tadhg Furlong and penalties from Jack Crowley to lead 10-0 despite being reduced to 14 men early on. But from half-time the All Blacks shifted gear, took control and sealed a 26-13 victory.
Try Scorers and Scoreboard Story
For New Zealand:
- Ardie Savea – try (corner, early)
- Tamaiti Williams – try
- Wallace Sititi – try
- Cam Roigard – try in final minutes
- Conversions: The All Blacks boot did the rest.
For Ireland:
- Tadhg Furlong – try
- Jack Crowley – conversion(s) & penalty kicks
Pasifika Players Who Stood Out
From a Pasifika-perspective this match had multiple layers: representation, heritage and pride.
Ardie Savea – a Samoan-heritage powerhouse, his try early set the tone and his leadership (on and off the field) kept the All Blacks afloat.
Wallace Sititi – strong showing, his second-half try underscored the depth brought by Pacific-heritage talent. In the post-match press opportunity with Island City, Sititi gave us a heartfelt message back home, not only to Aotearoa, but also to Samoa, saying, “Those back home, back in New Zealand, we hear you guys, we feel you guys, we play for you guys, hopefully we did you guys proud today, we are looking forward to the next week and the weeks after.” He then addressed the people of Samoa in his native tongue, saying, “Fa’amalosi atu i lou tatou atunu’u, ma tatou tapua’i mo Samoa, viia le Ali’i, Fa’afetai lava mo le tapua’i”, which translates to, “Stay strong in our country, and let us worship for Samoa, glorify the Lord, thank you very much for the support.”
Caleb Clarke – electric in attack, his carries and line breaks kept Ireland under pressure and provided a glimpse of his world-class speed and skill, reminding fans why he is one of the most exciting Pacific talents in New Zealand rugby today.
Tamaiti Williams – young forward with Pacific roots, imposing in contact and scoring at a crucial moment. This match reinforced how the All Blacks remain powered by Pacific talent and how that matters to our community.
Samisoni Taukei’aho – formidable in the forward pack, his presence in the set-piece and physicality reinforced the Pacific strength that propels the All Blacks forward.
Leicester Fainga’anuku – as a winger with Tongan heritage his impact off the bench (and through his dynamic play) is part of the broader Pacific narrative that the All Blacks carry.
And all the other Pasifika players in the squad contributed their skill, strength, and heart, reminding fans and communities worldwide of the deep pool of Pacific talent that drives the All Blacks and continues to inspire young players across Aotearoa, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and beyond.
The Emotional Heart – Ardie Savea, Culture and Faith
At the post-match press conference we asked Ardie Savea: “What does it mean to you to not only represent the All Blacks and Aotearoa, but your Samoan culture and faith on a grand scale like this in the U.S.?”
His answer speaks volumes:
“It means everything. As All Blacks we represent our team, the brothers beside us, but most importantly we stand on the shoulders of those that have gone before us and our families back at home, the players and obviously for me my faith, it keeps me grounded, keeps me in the middle and always just on that mindset of being blessed and grateful. When you’re there everything just becomes a blessing and when you operate in that space you can never go wrong so it means a lot being here in Chicago, as an All Black, as a Samoan as well, to represent my team, but our people too.”
For our Pasifika readership, this quote hits deep, it unites identity, culture and sport in one powerful moment. Ardie is not just a star on the field; he is one of us.
What This Win Means for the Pacific Rugby Narrative
Redemption: For the All Blacks this was more than a test win, it was rectification of a painful 2016 defeat. For Pacific-heritage players it is part of showing consistency under pressure.
Representation: Matches like this amplify the global footprint of Pacific talent. When Ardie Savea scores and leads, young players in Samoa, American-Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, Niue and beyond see themselves vivid on that stage.
Faith and identity: Savea’s remarks highlight how Pacific athletes carry many roles, athlete, culture-ambassador, community role model. Rugby for many of us is not just sport; it is identity and service.
Depth and transition: The late-game surge by the All Blacks was built on substitutes with Pacific roots stepping in and delivering. That suggests sustained strength, not just a handful of big names.
The Takeaway
Chicago 2025 will be remembered as a night of determination, skill and heart. From the opening whistle the All Blacks showed resilience and focus, turning early challenges into momentum that carried them to a memorable 26-13 victory in front of a sold-out crowd of 61,841. Every try, every carry, every defensive effort felt like a statement not just of their strength as a team, but of the deep heritage and pride carried by players of Pasifika descent.
For our community this match is a reminder: the field is both our stage and our temple. Ardie Savea’s declared commitment to his Samoan heritage and faith gives us a line to hold on to, while we celebrate the tries, the tackles and the trophies, the deeper victory is in representation, in legacy, in us.
Images provided by the featured individuals or sourced from their public social media profiles and online platforms. All rights remain with the original creators. Originally published in PMN+ Magazine, November 2025 (Vol. 2 No. 11).
November 2025 · Digital Magazine
