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 most famous victories, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling contest between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a fading force.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, 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 sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he leads an ageing and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
With 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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with form players.
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 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 youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 believes he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering 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 skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the current group matching the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Obviously we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
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 claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team filled with 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 brilliant 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.
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 top teams has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with Irish colors 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 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.
