Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 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 admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, 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 competing, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling 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 fading force.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he presides over an veteran and underprepared Irish squad entering 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 relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling 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 training have not been aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's first-choice team 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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who lost 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 earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also reminded his more veteran squad members 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 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to sample the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
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 present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests 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."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly 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 lethal counter-attacking team boasting match-winning 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 effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the perfect components.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts dotted 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement remains to be seen.
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.
