Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their most famous wins, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before facing 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 middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The final outcome 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 passionate and engaging contest between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a declining power.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he manages an veteran and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's training have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Number Ten Restored
With Ireland's frontline side having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been training 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 lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the emerging talent 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to sample the elite competition.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the current group matching the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable 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 share in that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 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 resulting in 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 critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team packed with decisive 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 outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights 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 attendance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the return engagement will be discovered.
Line-ups
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.
