Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their most famous victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
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-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling contest 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 perfect way for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a fading force.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he manages an older and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no questioning 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 largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a excellent opening 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 consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players 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 radar 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 thinks he is ready to taste the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning 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 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 "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That 2016 moment, 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 remembrance 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 enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 doubters, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team filled with game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return at fly-half is a significant advantage for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors visible all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the second time is yet to be determined.
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.
