Ireland and New Zealand Ready for Chicago Reunion

Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks

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

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

Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.

Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about breaking their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling 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 optimal approach for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.

Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having returned to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he presides over an veteran 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 denying that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

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

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 form players.

Jack Crowley, who lost 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 earned positions at inside centre and right wing.

In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a established loose forward.

Farrell has also signaled 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 consideration 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 believes he is ready to sample the top tier.

With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted 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, coming out on top in both contests.

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

"That 2016 moment, 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 remarkable that day was.

"Clearly we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."

New Zealand are seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming 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 meaning 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 critics, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team packed with match-winning talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance 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 boast one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers 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 famous defeat to overcome.

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

Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with Irish colors present all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.

Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back 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 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.