Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the venue of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating rivalry between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a fading force.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success 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 assertions that he manages an ageing and not fully ready 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 crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, 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 preparations have not been assisted by fitness concerns to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's frontline side 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 chosen to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since impressing 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 believes he is ready to sample the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, 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 remarkable that day was.
"Obviously we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 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 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking 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 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 performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback 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 American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts visible all over downtown 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 proves decisive in Chicago for the return engagement will be discovered.
Starting XVs
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.
