Ireland and All Blacks Ready for Chicago Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT

As they return to the location of one of their iconic victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.

Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

The skepticism was understandable. 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 earlier matchups with the Irish.

Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded 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 breaking their own generational curse.

The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging 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 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 success on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning 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 veteran and undercooked Irish squad approaching 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 absence, they relinquished 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 fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.

Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

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 gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.

In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.

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 performing well 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 believes he is ready to sample the elite competition.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.

The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained the Lions against Western Force in June, securing victories in both matches.

Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of accomplishments.

"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Huge recollections, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how remarkable 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."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more battle-hardened 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 powerful 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 outstanding against Ireland in the past.

And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.

Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors dotted all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the second time remains to be seen.

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.