The Irish team and New Zealand Primed for Windy City Reunion

Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the scene of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before facing the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash 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 previous meetings with the Irish.

Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling competition 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 optimal approach for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a waning team.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a growing rivalry.

But, having come back to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by suggestions that he manages an ageing and undercooked Irish squad approaching an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no doubting that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, they lost the Six Nations title after a thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.

Farrell brought a record Irish contingent on the Lions tour, the consequences from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game under their belt this season.

Ireland's preparations have not been aided by physical setbacks to crucial team members, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

With 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with in-form athletes.

Jack Crowley, who surrendered 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 merited selections at inside centre and right wing.

In the pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also indicated his more experienced players 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 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 thinks he is ready to sample the elite competition.

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 led 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 successes.

"That 2016 moment, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a life moment for every Irish sports fan," he said.

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

"Clearly we've had some major contests 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 return fixture."

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

The All Blacks are certainly more seasoned 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 powerful counter-attacking team filled with match-winning 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 exceptional against Ireland in the past.

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

Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.

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 US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the perfect components.

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

Their presence at Soldier Field will recall memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance 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.