Ireland and New Zealand Primed for Chicago Reunion

Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks

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

Coming back to the venue of one of their most famous victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners 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 admitted 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 knuckled down and set about lifting their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and sparked an passionate and engaging 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 ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.

But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he leads an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

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

In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping and sobering home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.

Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 decided to fill his team with players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.

In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since performing well 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 elite competition.

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, coming out on top in both contests.

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

"That 2016 moment, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Massive memories, everyone has a remembrance 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 excited to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more seasoned than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship leading to 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 devastating counter-attacking team boasting decisive 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 outstanding 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 coming against Farrell's side.

Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to rectify.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to build anticipation in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will definitely not be short of support, with green jerseys present all over the city center 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement will be discovered.

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.