Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the frenzy 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 century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the path of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating rivalry between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to scoff at 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 boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he manages an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and humbling 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 preparations have not been aided 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
Given Ireland's first-choice team having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been preparing 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 restored on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration 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 thinks he is ready to sample the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker led 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 present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That 2016 moment, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable 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 experience that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team packed with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance 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 have one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to generate excitement in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with green jerseys present all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence 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 second time 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.
