Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the thick of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Considering 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.
For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own generational curse.
The culmination was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling rivalry 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 perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by assertions that he manages an ageing and underprepared Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying 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 thumping and sobering 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 to their name this season.
Ireland's training have not been aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Crowley Back at 10
Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a impressive beginning 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 consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes 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 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 feels he is ready to experience the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a remembrance 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 buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 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 leading to 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 lethal counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking 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 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 delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors present all over central Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the second time will be discovered.
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.
