Ireland and New Zealand Prepared for Chicago Rematch

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

Coming back to the scene of one of their iconic victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.

Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.

Looking back at that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.

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 intense and captivating contest between the sides.

Although 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 challenge 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 triumph on New Zealand soil that intensified to a growing rivalry.

But, having returned to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he leads an ageing and underprepared Irish squad approaching an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a thumping 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 played this season.

Ireland's readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

With Ireland's frontline side 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 scrutinised 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 returned on the back of a strong start 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 believes he is ready to sample the top tier.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.

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

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

"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 special 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 experience that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are certainly 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 detractors, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team packed with decisive talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback 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 registered versus Farrell's side.

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

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to generate excitement in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.

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

Their attendance at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the second time 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.