Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: 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 statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing 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 maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.
The culmination was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling contest between the sides.
While 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 waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an ageing and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign 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 absence, 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 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 helped by physical setbacks to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.
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 consideration 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to sample the elite competition.
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 led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.
"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 remembrance of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 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 meaning them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have placed 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 packed with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance 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 possess one of the game's most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors present all over the city center on Friday night.
Their attendance 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 does the trick in Chicago for the return engagement is yet to be determined.
Team Selections
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.
