Ireland and All Blacks Primed for Chicago Rematch

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the location of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.

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

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

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

Meanwhile, 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 attempting, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling rivalry between the sides.

While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative 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 achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a developing rivalry.

But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he leads an older and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, there is no denying 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 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 under their belt this season.

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

Given 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who lost 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 merited selections at inside centre and right wing.

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

Farrell has also indicated his more veteran squad members of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to experience the elite competition.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.

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 existing team matching the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.

"That historic win, we've talked about 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 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 excited to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a merited 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 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 packed with game-breaking talent.

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

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

Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.

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

Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors dotted all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will bring back 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 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.