Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the thick of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "caught up" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team concentrated fully and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging contest between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a fading force.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he manages an ageing and underprepared Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered 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 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 assisted by physical setbacks to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
With 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 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 restored on the back of a excellent opening 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players 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 taste the top tier.
Skipper's Responsibility
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering 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 led the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That historic win, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a recollection 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 enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly 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 detractors, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with game-breaking 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 brilliant 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with emerald shirts visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their attendance 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 proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.
