Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the scene of one of their most famous victories, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling competition between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he leads an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an autumn campaign 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 time away, they lost 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been assisted by injuries to important squad members, too, with first-choice players 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a impressive beginning to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 believes he is ready to taste the top tier.
Leadership Role
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 captained the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the current group matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory 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 excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team boasting decisive 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 most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts dotted all over the city center on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the repeat performance is yet to be determined.
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.
