Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their iconic victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.
Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating contest between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a declining power.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, 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 break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by assertions that he leads an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a record Irish contingent 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 preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
With 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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a impressive beginning 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 signaled his more experienced players of the developing players 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to taste the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.
Sheehan said the present squad repeating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
New Zealand Aiming for Triple
New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing 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 doubters, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a major plus for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been exceptional against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with emerald shirts visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push 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.