Ireland and New Zealand Primed for Windy City Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand

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

As they return to the venue of one of their most famous wins, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.

Nine years ago, they were largely written off before facing 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 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 acknowledged the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

Meanwhile, the team knuckled down and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited an fierce and compelling 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 scoff at those who view them as a declining power.

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

But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he presides over an older 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 crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

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

Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.

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

With Ireland's starting lineup 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 returned on the back of a excellent opening 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 chance to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to taste the top tier.

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

The 27-year-old hooker captained Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and led the Lions against Western Force in June, coming out on top in both contests.

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

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

"Massive memories, everyone has a memory of where they were and how special that day was.

"Clearly we've had some big battles 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 second meeting."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after narrowly winning an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 finished 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 powerful counter-attacking team packed with match-winning talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return 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 have 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.

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

Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts present all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.