Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their most famous victories, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted 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 focused intensely and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating rivalry 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 challenge those who view them as a waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he leads an older and not fully ready 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 crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check 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 preparations have not been helped by injuries to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
Given Ireland's frontline side having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been working with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
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 forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also indicated 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 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 sample the highest level.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted 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 repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That 2016 moment, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how unique 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 feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 critics, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled 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 outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat 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 top teams has all the perfect components.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts 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 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.
