Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their most famous victories, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were generally underestimated before confronting 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-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating competition between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he presides over an ageing and underprepared Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check 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 played this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with established performers 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 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 in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes 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 consideration 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 feels he is ready to sample the top tier.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That 2016 moment, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests 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 second meeting."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning 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 experienced 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 filled with game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a considerable boost 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 delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
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 wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys dotted 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 push Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the second time 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.
