Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: 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.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were world champions and in the thick of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub 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 111-year drought.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he presides over an veteran and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an fall series 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 relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and sobering 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 played this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been aided by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with regular starters 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes 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 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 experience the top tier.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
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 replicating 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 recollection of where they were and how special 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 second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 placed 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a major plus for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to overcome.
With 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 heavyweights has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with green jerseys dotted all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the return engagement is yet to be determined.
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.
