Ireland and New Zealand Prepared for Chicago Rematch

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

Coming back to the location of one of their iconic wins, Ireland stand with a point to prove.

Back in 2016, 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 world champions and in the midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they had achieved 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 conceded the All Blacks got "swept away" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

Meanwhile, the team concentrated fully and set about lifting their own 111-year drought.

The culmination was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that revolutionized the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging contest 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 challenge those who view them as a waning team.

Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a burgeoning rivalry.

But, having come back to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he leads an older and not fully ready Irish squad approaching 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 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 fallout from which has left several players with only one United Rugby Championship game played this season.

Ireland's training have not been assisted by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with established performers 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 training 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 in-form athletes.

Jack Crowley, who gave up the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a regular back-row starter.

Farrell has also reminded his more seasoned athletes of the emerging talent by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Earlier this week, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his watch list 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 feels he is ready to experience the elite competition.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given Dan Sheehan with the leadership role.

The 27-year-old hooker led 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 repeating the 2016 win would be "highly significant" in this squad's list of achievements.

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

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

"Clearly we've had some major contests against New Zealand over the years since then, so I think everyone's pretty buzzing to almost share in that day in 2016 and for the rematch."

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a earned 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 come runner-up to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his critics, they remain a devastating counter-attacking team filled with decisive talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a considerable boost 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 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 point to prove. New Zealand have a historic loss to rectify.

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

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

Their attendance at Soldier Field will recall 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 return engagement 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.