Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the scene of one of their historic wins, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating rivalry 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 perfect way for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he manages an veteran and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, 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 surrendered the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and reality-check 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 played this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to important squad members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 decided to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 deserved starters 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 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 radar 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to sample the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how special that day was.
"Obviously we've had some major contests 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 second meeting."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 come runner-up 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 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 possess one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with Irish colors dotted all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance 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 is yet to be determined.
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.
