Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team concentrated fully and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the direction 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 optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at 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 added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he presides over an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an November tests 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 time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been helped by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Number Ten Restored
With Ireland's first-choice team 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated 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 regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also reminded his more veteran squad members of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since excelling 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 thinks he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker led 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 "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That 2016 moment, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Clearly we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely more seasoned 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 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 devastating 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 exceptional 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 performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.
With 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 top teams has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors dotted all over the city center on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push 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.
