Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their historic victories, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 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 hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about breaking their own generational curse.
The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling rivalry between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he manages an veteran and undercooked Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players 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 readiness have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Crowley Back at 10
Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 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 returned 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 opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also indicated his more seasoned athletes 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 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to experience the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
With 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 captained the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the current group matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Obviously we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 come runner-up to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his doubters, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team packed with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return at fly-half is a major plus 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 deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the perfect components.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with emerald shirts present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the return engagement remains to be seen.
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.
