Ireland and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Rematch

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT

Coming back to the venue of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland stand with a statement to make.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "caught up" 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 111-year drought.

The culmination was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the path of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling 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 perfect way for Ireland to challenge those who view them as a waning team.

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

But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he manages an older and underprepared Irish squad heading into an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, 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 reality-check home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a record Irish contingent 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 readiness have not been aided by physical setbacks to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

With Ireland's first-choice team 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 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 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members of the emerging talent 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to experience the top tier.

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

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 existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.

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

"Massive memories, everyone has a recollection 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 excited to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."

New Zealand are targeting a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more experienced than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship resulting in 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 packed with match-winning 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 have one of the game's deadliest 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with green jerseys visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.

Their attendance 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.