It will be a different experience for All Blacks lock Patrick Tuipulotu when the All Blacks run out onto Soldier Field when they face Ireland on Sunday morning (NZT).
With Sam Whitelock and Brodie Rettalick ruled out due to injury and Luke Romano away on bereavement leave, the All Blacks are missing 165 Test caps-worth of experience. With Scott Barrett yet to make his All Blacks his debut, the 23-year-old with 10 caps to his name will be the most experienced lock.
"It will be like any game; I'll just come in and do my job," says Tuipulotu.
Tuipulotu will be joined by All Blacks flanker Jerome Kaino in the second row. It will be a new challenge for Kaino, who often takes his share of lineouts but has never started a Test in the position.
"It's weird knowing I'll be locking with him, but I am looking forward to it," says Tuipulotu.
"He has great physicality and great impact, and it's something I try to do also."
Tuipulotu looks up to Kaino, and even though the 23-year-old plays lock as his permanent position, it's been Tuipulotu who has been taking notes, learning from the 75-Test loose forward.
"I've been the one learning this week," says Tuipulotu.
"This week has been about working on our combinations and getting our structures right."
The All Blacks go into the match as heavy favourites against the Irish, who will be searching for their first-ever win against the All Blacks.
Kick-off for the match will be at 9am NZT.
Newshub.
