Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the scene of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an intense and captivating competition between the sides.
Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a fading force.
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 triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a developing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he leads an older and undercooked Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign 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 relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the fallout 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 crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's first-choice team 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, 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 thinks he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the current group replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, 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 excited to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving 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 come runner-up 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 packed with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess 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.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys visible all over downtown Chicago 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement 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.
