The Irish team and New Zealand Prepared for Windy City Rematch

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

As they return to the location of one of their most famous victories, Ireland stand with a mission to accomplish.

Back in 2016, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

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

Considering that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week conceded the All Blacks got "caught up" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

On the other side, the team concentrated fully and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.

The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an intense and captivating competition between the sides.

While 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, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has achieved a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having returned to his day job after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by claims that he presides over an ageing and undercooked Irish squad heading into an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, 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 surrendered 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 preparations have not been assisted by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

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

Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 deserved starters at inside centre and right wing.

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

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

As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the skipper position.

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 present squad replicating the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.

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

"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how remarkable that day was.

"Clearly we've had some big battles 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 rematch."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 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 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 doubters, they remain a powerful counter-attacking team packed with match-winning 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 exceptional against Ireland in the past.

And in Will Jordan the All Blacks have one of the game's most lethal finishers. The 27-year-old usually delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.

Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to rectify.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.

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

Their presence 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 makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance will be discovered.

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.