Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, 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 "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized 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 transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach 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 growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an veteran and underprepared 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 interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and sobering home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
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 preparing 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 form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a impressive beginning to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections 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 reminded his more veteran squad members of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since performing well 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 top tier.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning 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, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.
"That 2016 moment, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a recollection 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 return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 lethal counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return 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 have one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.
