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 historic victories, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. 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.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an intense and captivating contest between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a waning team.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success 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 annoyed by suggestions that he leads an older and underprepared Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been aided by physical setbacks to key players, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
Given Ireland's frontline side 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 decided to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a strong start 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 consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also reminded his more veteran squad members 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 watch list 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 believes he is ready to sample the highest level.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Obviously we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting match-winning 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 have one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference 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.
