Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the path of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling contest between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an ageing and undercooked Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by injuries to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's first-choice team having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been working with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar since performing well for the under-20s in a training session against the senior side a couple of years ago and, while he is only five weeks since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to sample the highest level.
Leadership Role
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Obviously we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more experienced than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship leading to them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have placed second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his doubters, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team packed with game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with Irish colors dotted all over the city center on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the repeat performance remains to be seen.
Starting XVs
Ireland: J Osborne; T O'Brien, G Ringrose, S McCloskey, J Lowe; J Crowley, J Gibson-Park; A Porter, D Sheehan (capt), T Furlong, J Ryan, T Beirne, R Baird, J van der Flier, J Conan.
Replacements: R Kelleher, P McCarthy, F Bealham, I Henderson, C Doris, C Casey, S Prendergast, B Aki.
New Zealand: W Jordan; L Carter, Q Tupaea, J Barrett, C Clarke; B Barrett, C Roigard; E De Groot, C Taylor, F Newell, S Barrett (capt), F Holland, S Parker, A Savea, P Lakai.
Replacements: S Taukei'aho, T Williams, P Tosi, J Lord, W Sititi, C Ratima, L Fainga'anuku, D McKenzie.
