Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their historic wins, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on 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.
For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The final outcome was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a declining power.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he manages an older and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they surrendered 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 to their name this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by physical setbacks to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
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 preparing with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a excellent opening 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 youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to sample the top tier.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker captained 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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"That 2016 moment, 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 recollection 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 share in 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 just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more experienced 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 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 devastating counter-attacking team filled 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 brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have 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.
Stakes High
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys visible all over the city center on Friday night.
Their attendance 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 will be discovered.
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.
