Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were largely written off before confronting 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 midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating 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 challenge those who view them as a declining power.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator 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 developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he presides over an ageing and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and sobering home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation 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 aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's frontline side having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been preparing with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a impressive beginning to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections 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 developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 feels he is ready to experience the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
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 present squad matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That 2016 moment, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Obviously we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship resulting in 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 doubters, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team boasting match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been exceptional against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the second time is yet to be determined.
Team Selections
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.
