Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The final outcome 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 passionate and engaging 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 perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a waning team.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he manages an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an November tests 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 time away, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and sobering 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 under their belt this season.
Ireland's readiness have not been helped by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Crowley Back at 10
With 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 assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a excellent opening 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 established loose forward.
Farrell has also signaled his more seasoned athletes of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 feels he is ready to taste the elite competition.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.
The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the current group 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 recollection 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 enthusiastic to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the rematch."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are definitely 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 placed second 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 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 exceptional against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess 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.
Major Implications
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with emerald shirts dotted all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.
