Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the location of one of their historic victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "distracted" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team concentrated fully and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling rivalry between the sides.
Although 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 challenge those who view them as a declining power.
Farrell's Challenge
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened 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 claims that he leads an ageing and undercooked Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's time away, they surrendered 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 aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.
Ireland's training have not been assisted by injuries to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's frontline side 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with players performing well.
Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are earned positions at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Earlier this week, 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 thinks he is ready to taste the highest level.
Leadership Role
As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.
The 27-year-old hooker captained 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 repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.
"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 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 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 lethal counter-attacking team packed with 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 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to drum up interest in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors visible all over the city center on Friday night.
Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.
