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 historic wins, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the path of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating contest 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 ideal manner for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a fading force.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach 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 developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he manages an veteran and underprepared Irish squad heading into an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent 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 fitness concerns to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Fly-Half Returns
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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 thinks he is ready to taste the top tier.
Captain Sheehan
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
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 "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Clearly we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly 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 come runner-up to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his critics, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team boasting decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a considerable boost 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's top teams has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with green jerseys dotted 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 push Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance is yet to be determined.
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.
