Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the location of one of their most famous victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.
Nine years ago, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.
It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the middle of an 18 consecutive victories, 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 "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
On the other side, the team concentrated fully and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The final outcome was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction 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 disprove those who view them as a fading force.
Coach's Mission
Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he presides over an older and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's preparations have not been helped by injuries to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.
Number Ten Restored
Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 opted to fill his team with in-form athletes.
Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.
Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to taste the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning 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 led the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.
Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.
"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how special that day was.
"Clearly we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty excited to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 critics, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking 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 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 scored against Farrell's side.
Everything to Play For
Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.
Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the perfect components.
Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys present all over the city center on Friday night.
Their presence at Soldier Field will evoke 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 return engagement will be discovered.
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.
