Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the venue of one of their iconic wins, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 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 "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating rivalry between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach 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 head coach, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he presides over an veteran and underprepared Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by physical setbacks to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members 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 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 believes he is ready to taste the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker captained 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 present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of successes.
"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 unique that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more battle-hardened 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 detractors, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team boasting decisive 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 deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels 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 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 Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with Irish colors dotted all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance will be discovered.
Line-ups
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.
