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 iconic triumphs, 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 global title holders and in the midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, 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 admitted the All Blacks got "swept away" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating competition 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 optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he manages an older and undercooked Irish squad entering an fall series 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 absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's starting lineup 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration 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 believes he is ready to sample the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how remarkable 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."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 come runner-up 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 reappearance at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been exceptional against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of 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 propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.
