Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their iconic victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing 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 midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The culmination was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging rivalry 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 challenge those who view them as a declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he presides over an ageing and undercooked Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting 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 decisive and humbling 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been aided by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 signaled 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 watch list 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 experience the top tier.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That 2016 moment, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests 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 return fixture."
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 claiming a earned 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 filled with match-winning 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 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.
Major Implications
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to rectify.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to build anticipation in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts visible all over the city center on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the second time remains to be seen.
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.
