Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the venue of one of their historic wins, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. 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 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about overcoming their own generational curse.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling competition between the sides.
Although 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 declining power.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he leads an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's training have not been aided by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Number Ten Restored
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 evaluated 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 reinstated on the back of a impressive beginning 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 consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the developing players 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 feels he is ready to sample the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning 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, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, 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 recollection 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 excited to almost feel a part of 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 narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely more experienced 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 lethal counter-attacking team packed with game-breaking 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 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys 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 push Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance remains to be seen.
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.
