Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle 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 almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team concentrated fully and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging contest between the sides.
While 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 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 success on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he leads an older and undercooked 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 lost 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 aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been aided by injuries to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
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 training with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 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 veteran squad members 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 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to taste the top tier.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker led 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 repeating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a memory of where they were and how special that day was.
"Clearly we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more battle-hardened 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 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 packed with decisive 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 exceptional against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
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 definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys visible all over the city center on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke 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 remains to be seen.
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.
