Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst 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 admitted the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach 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 secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that heightened to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an veteran and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, 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 lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players 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 believes he is ready to sample the top tier.
Skipper's Responsibility
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the existing team replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how special that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests 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 return fixture."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more seasoned 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 detractors, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a significant advantage 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 lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a famous defeat to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance is yet to be determined.
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.
