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 most famous triumphs, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted 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 concentrated fully and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling 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 perfect way for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a waning team.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an veteran and undercooked Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been assisted by fitness concerns to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Number Ten Restored
With 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 chosen to fill his team with form players.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are deserved starters 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 veteran squad members 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 watch list since excelling 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 believes he is ready to sample the elite competition.
Captain Sheehan
With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That 2016 moment, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique 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."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 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 leading to them playing nine times since the start of July.
New Zealand have finished second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his detractors, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team packed with game-breaking talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback 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 boast 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 statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.
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 American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with green jerseys present all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance remains to be seen.
Team Selections
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.
