Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their iconic wins, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded 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 111-year drought.
The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating competition between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by assertions that he presides over an older and undercooked 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 pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Fly-Half Returns
With Ireland's frontline side having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been preparing with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes 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 watch list 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 taste the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded 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, winning both games.
Sheehan said the present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving 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 resulting in them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have finished second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his doubters, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a considerable boost 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 deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to generate excitement in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance 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 repeat performance 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.
