Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team concentrated fully and set about lifting their own century-long hoodoo.
The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling 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 perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he leads an older and underprepared Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Fly-Half Returns
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 decided to fill his team with form players.
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 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 developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 thinks he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Skipper's Responsibility
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 captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, we've talked about 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 remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 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 leading to 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 boasting game-breaking 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 have one of the game's most effective 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 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 heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with Irish colors visible all over central 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 second time remains to be seen.
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.
