Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their iconic victories, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were world champions and in the middle of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team concentrated fully and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging 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.
Leadership Test
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 added more fire to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he presides over an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Fly-Half Returns
With 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 scrutinised 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 restored on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members 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 radar 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 taste the top tier.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"That 2016 moment, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how special that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes 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."
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 achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more experienced 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 boasting decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance 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 boast 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.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting 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 downtown Chicago 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance is yet to be determined.
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.
