Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated 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-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging contest between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner 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 accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a developing 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 manages an older and underprepared Irish squad heading into 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 time away, 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 played this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Crowley Back at 10
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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also signaled 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 radar 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 thinks he is ready to experience the highest level.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering 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 skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the present squad repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That historic win, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, 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 excited to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 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 leading to them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have finished second 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 filled with match-winning 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 outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement will be discovered.
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.
