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 historic victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" 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 generational curse.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling competition 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 scoff at those who view them as a declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by assertions that he presides over an veteran and undercooked Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and humbling 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 played this season.
Ireland's training have not been helped by injuries to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
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 working with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with players performing well.
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 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 consideration 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 feels he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Leadership Role
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded 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, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how special that day was.
"Obviously we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are seeking a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more seasoned 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 placed second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his critics, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a significant advantage 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 registered versus Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with emerald shirts visible all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall 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 repeat performance will be discovered.
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.
