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 historic victories, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting 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 consecutive victories, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted 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 concentrated fully and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.
The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an intense and captivating rivalry 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 perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by assertions that he presides over an older and underprepared Irish squad entering an fall series 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 absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been assisted by fitness concerns to key players, 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 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 returned on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, 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 sample the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the current group repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion 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 experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more seasoned 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 critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their attendance at Soldier Field will bring back 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.
