Ireland and All Blacks Ready for Windy City Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

Coming back to the venue of one of their historic victories, 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-match unbeaten run, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Looking back at 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.

For Ireland, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own generational curse.

The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.

Although 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 declining power.

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 added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having come back to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he leads an veteran and not fully ready Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, 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 relinquished 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 consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.

Ireland's readiness have not been aided by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

Given Ireland's starting lineup 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 surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated 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 forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance 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 watch list since excelling 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 highest level.

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

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

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

"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Massive memories, everyone has a recollection 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 second meeting."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving 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 packed with decisive talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been exceptional against Ireland in the past.

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

Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.

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

Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with Irish colors 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 proves decisive 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.