Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the scene of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were world champions and in the middle of an 18 consecutive victories, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.
The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.
While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a declining power.
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 success on New Zealand soil that added more fire 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 annoyed by claims that he manages an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad entering an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, 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 surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.
Ireland's training have not been aided by injuries to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
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 training 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 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 merited selections 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 seasoned athletes 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 consideration 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 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 entrusted Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.
"That historic win, 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 remembrance 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 buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are undoubtedly more experienced than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship meaning 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 boasting decisive 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 brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Stakes High
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 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 undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors visible all over the city center on Friday night.
Their attendance at Soldier Field will bring back 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 second time 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.
