Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
Coming back to the venue of one of their historic wins, 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.
The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.
Reflecting on that week nine years on, 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.
On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own century-long hoodoo.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling 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 ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning rivalry.
But, having returned to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he manages an ageing and underprepared Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.
In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and reality-check home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name this season.
Ireland's training have not been assisted by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's starting lineup having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been preparing with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.
And, having evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has decided 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 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 signaled his more veteran squad members 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to taste the top tier.
Captain Sheehan
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 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 present squad repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of successes.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique that day was.
"Clearly we've had some significant clashes 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 return fixture."
NZ Targeting Three in a Row
New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team filled with match-winning talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been brilliant against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.
Major Implications
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 build anticipation in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.
Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with emerald shirts visible 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 push Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance is yet to be determined.
Team Selections
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.
