The Irish team and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the venue of one of their iconic 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.

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

On the other side, the team concentrated fully and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.

The final outcome was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed 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 seismic as it was in 2016, it would be the perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a waning team.

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 developing rivalry.

But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he presides over an veteran and underprepared Irish squad entering an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and humbling 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 played this season.

Ireland's training have not been assisted by physical setbacks to key players, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

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 assessed 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 impressive beginning 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 opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.

Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 thinks he is ready to experience the elite competition.

With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.

The 27-year-old hooker captained 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 existing team matching the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.

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

"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory of where they were and how unique 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 share in that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 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 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 lethal counter-attacking team filled with decisive 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 brilliant against Ireland in the past.

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

Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the perfect components.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors dotted all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the return engagement is yet to be determined.

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.