Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the scene of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 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 acknowledged 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 overcoming their own generational curse.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the path of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging 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 declining power.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he manages an older and undercooked Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and sobering 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 training have not been helped by injuries to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
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 decided to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also indicated his more seasoned athletes of the youth coming through 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 feels he is ready to sample the top tier.
Leadership Role
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 led the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Obviously we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving 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 leading to 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 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 considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
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 right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with emerald shirts dotted all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their attendance at Soldier Field will evoke 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.
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.
