Ireland and New Zealand Primed for Chicago Reunion

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

Coming back to the scene of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland stand with a statement to make.

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

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were world champions and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.

Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

For Ireland, the team concentrated fully and set about lifting their own generational curse.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that transformed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an passionate and engaging rivalry between the sides.

Although 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 scoff at those who view them as a fading force.

Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that heightened to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having returned to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he manages an veteran and underprepared Irish squad entering an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no doubting 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 comprehensive and sobering 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 played this season.

Ireland's training have not been helped by injuries to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

With 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 scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with form players.

Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 established loose forward.

Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration since excelling 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 highest level.

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 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 existing team repeating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of achievements.

"That historic win, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Huge recollections, everyone has a remembrance of where they were and how unique 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 feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."

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

The All Blacks are definitely 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 finished second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his doubters, they remain a lethal 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 significant advantage 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 deadliest finishers. The 27-year-old usually performs against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.

Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss 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 necessary elements.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors visible all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to drive Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the second time 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.