Ireland and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Showdown

Autumn Nations Series: Ireland v New Zealand

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

As they return to the scene of one of their iconic victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.

The end result was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that revolutionized the trajectory of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling contest between the sides.

While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as transformative as it was in 2016, it would be the optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a fading force.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland manager, 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 assertions that he presides over an veteran and undercooked 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 surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players 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 physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.

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

Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a excellent opening to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.

In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.

Farrell has also signaled 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 taste the highest level.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given 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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of successes.

"That 2016 moment, we've talked about it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment 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 big battles against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a earned 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 resulting in 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 lethal counter-attacking team filled 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 outstanding 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries coming against Farrell's side.

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

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to build anticipation in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.

Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with green jerseys 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the return engagement 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.