The Irish team and All Blacks Ready for Chicago Rematch

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

Coming back to the scene of one of their most famous victories, Ireland find themselves with a point to prove.

Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before meeting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they had achieved 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

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

The end result was a historic victory over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging competition between the sides.

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

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

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

However, there is no questioning that Ireland are at an crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's absence, they surrendered the Six Nations title after a thumping and humbling home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation 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 physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

Given Ireland's starting lineup having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been preparing 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 in-form athletes.

Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored on the back of a impressive beginning 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 consistent flanker option.

Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players of the developing players 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly thinks he is ready to taste the top tier.

With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded 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 current group replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" 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.

"Huge recollections, everyone has a memory 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 enthusiastic to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team boasting decisive talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's reappearance 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 performs 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 avenge.

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 heavyweights has all the perfect components.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors present all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their presence at Soldier Field will bring back 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 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.