Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team concentrated fully and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.
The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging competition 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 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 achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he leads an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an fall series 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 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 aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by injuries to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's starting lineup 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to taste the highest level.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a memory of where they were and how special that day was.
"Obviously 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 return fixture."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 come runner-up to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his detractors, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team boasting match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a significant advantage for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding 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 scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a memorable setback to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with green jerseys dotted all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence 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 repeat performance remains to be seen.
Line-ups
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.
