Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their iconic victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before facing 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-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "distracted" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, 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 trying, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling rivalry between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to challenge 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 manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he leads an veteran and underprepared Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, 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 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 to their name this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been aided by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's starting lineup having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been training with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 earned positions 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 reminded his more experienced players of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded 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, winning both games.
Sheehan said the present squad repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how unique 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 share in that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team boasting match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return at fly-half is a significant advantage for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back 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 is yet to be determined.
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.
