Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" 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 breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling rivalry 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 declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that heightened to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he manages an ageing and undercooked Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Crowley Back at 10
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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.
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 merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list since impressing 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 feels he is ready to experience the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the present squad repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That 2016 moment, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a memory of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Obviously we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely more experienced than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship meaning them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have finished second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team filled with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a significant advantage for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to build anticipation in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors present all over the city center on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement 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.
