Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their iconic victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were generally underestimated before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the path of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling 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 ideal manner 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 manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by assertions that he presides over an ageing and undercooked Irish squad entering an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a comprehensive 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 to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by fitness concerns to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated 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 regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players 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 excelling 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 feels he is ready to taste the highest level.
Leadership Role
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, we've talked about 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 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 second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 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 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 detractors, 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 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 deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a memorable setback to rectify.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys dotted all over the city center on Friday night.
Their presence 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 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.
