Ireland and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Showdown

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT

As they return to the venue of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.

Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "caught up" 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 111-year drought.

The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an passionate and engaging competition 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 ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator 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 added more fire to a developing rivalry.

But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by assertions that he presides over an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's absence, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a comprehensive 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 readiness have not been aided by injuries to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

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 opted to fill his team with form players.

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

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

Farrell has also reminded 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 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 sample the top tier.

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

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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of successes.

"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how special that day was.

"Obviously we've had some major contests 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 aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving 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 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 detractors, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with game-breaking 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 outstanding against Ireland in the past.

And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess one of the game's deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against 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 wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with green jerseys present all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their presence at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive 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.