The Irish team and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Showdown

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

Coming back to the venue of one of their iconic wins, Ireland stand with a statement to make.

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

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Looking back at that week nine years on, 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 breaking their own generational curse.

The final outcome 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 contest between the sides.

While beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as seismic 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, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland head coach, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having come back to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he manages an older and underprepared Irish squad entering 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 absence, they lost the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a largest-ever Irish representation on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.

Ireland's readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

Given Ireland's frontline side 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with form players.

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 deserved starters 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 veteran squad members of the developing players 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 sample the top tier.

With Caelan Doris on the bench after returning from shoulder surgery, Farrell has awarded Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.

The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and skippered the Lions against Western Force in June, winning both games.

Sheehan said the existing team replicating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of accomplishments.

"That 2016 moment, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience 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 significant clashes against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the rematch."

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

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more seasoned than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship meaning them playing nine times since the start of July.

New Zealand have placed 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 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 brilliant against Ireland in the past.

And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast one of the game's most effective 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 reputation to defend. New Zealand have a famous defeat to avenge.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to build anticipation in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with Irish colors dotted all over the city center on Friday night.

Their attendance at Soldier Field will evoke memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it does the trick in Chicago for the second time 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.