The Irish team and All Blacks Prepared for Windy City Rematch

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

As they return to the venue of one of their most famous victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.

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

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

Reflecting on 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.

On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about lifting their own generational curse.

The final outcome was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and ignited 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 perfect way for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.

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

But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by assertions that he presides over an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an interesting juncture two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check 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 to their name this season.

Ireland's preparations have not been assisted by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a impressive beginning 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 regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players 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 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to experience the highest level.

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, securing victories in both matches.

Sheehan said the existing team matching the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.

"That historic win, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.

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

"Clearly we've had some major contests 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 second meeting."

New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more battle-hardened 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 devastating counter-attacking team filled with match-winning talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a significant advantage 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys dotted 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 push 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.