Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their historic wins, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were world champions and in the middle of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating 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 optimal approach for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he presides over an veteran and underprepared Irish squad entering 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 humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's frontline side 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since excelling 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 experience the elite competition.
Skipper's Responsibility
With 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, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've talked about 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.
"Obviously we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are aiming for a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging 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 seasoned 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 placed second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his doubters, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team packed 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 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 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 historic loss to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to build anticipation in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts 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 does the trick in Chicago for the return engagement remains to be seen.
Team Selections
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.
