Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were world champions and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" in the hubbub 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 century-long hoodoo.
The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating rivalry between the sides.
While 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 declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a developing rivalry.
But, having come back to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he presides over an ageing and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, 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 relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check 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 played this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Fly-Half Returns
Given Ireland's frontline side having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been training 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 in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a established loose forward.
Farrell has also reminded his more veteran squad members of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, 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 since 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 returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.
The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Obviously we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 finished 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting match-winning 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 outstanding 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
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 bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with green jerseys visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall 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 is yet to be determined.
Line-ups
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.
