Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the venue of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated 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 thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, 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.
For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating competition between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he manages an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a thumping and sobering home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent 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 helped by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who lost 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 earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a established loose forward.
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 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to experience the elite competition.
Leadership Role
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 captained 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 "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, 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 second meeting."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely more battle-hardened 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 come runner-up to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team boasting match-winning 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 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 delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.
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 perfect components.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys visible all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the return engagement is yet to be determined.
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.
