The Irish team and New Zealand Primed for Chicago Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

Coming back to the location of one of their most famous triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were world champions and in the middle of an 18 consecutive victories, 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 "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 lifting their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an fierce and compelling contest between the sides.

While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.

Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire 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 presides over an older and not fully ready Irish squad entering an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

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

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

Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the aftermath from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game to their name 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 absent.

Given Ireland's frontline side 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 opted 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 strong start 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 opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his radar 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 given Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.

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

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

"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Huge recollections, everyone has a recollection 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 buzzing to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."

New Zealand are aiming for a hat-trick of wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly 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 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 lethal counter-attacking team packed with game-breaking talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance at fly-half is a major plus 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 deadliest 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 rectify.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors dotted all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their attendance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to propel 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.