Ireland and All Blacks Primed for Chicago Reunion

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT

As they return to the scene of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.

Nine years ago, they were generally underestimated before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.

Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling competition between the sides.

While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a fading force.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having returned to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by assertions that he manages an ageing and undercooked Irish squad entering an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no denying that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a comprehensive 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 preparations have not been helped by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.

With Ireland's starting lineup 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 decided to fill his team with in-form athletes.

Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.

In the pack, 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 developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration 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 feels he is ready to taste the top tier.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given 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, securing victories in both matches.

Sheehan said the current group repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.

"That historic win, 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 recollection of where they were and how unique that day was.

"Obviously 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 second meeting."

New Zealand are aiming for a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are definitely more battle-hardened 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 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a major plus 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 most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.

Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.

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 Stateside clash between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with emerald shirts present all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their presence at Soldier Field will evoke 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 return engagement will be discovered.

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.