The Irish team and All Blacks Ready for Windy City Rematch

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the scene of one of their most famous victories, Ireland stand with a point to prove.

Back in 2016, they were generally underestimated before meeting the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

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

Meanwhile, the team focused intensely and set about overcoming their own 111-year drought.

The culmination was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited 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 perfect way for Ireland to scoff at those who view them as a declining power.

Andy Farrell, defence coach under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series victory on New Zealand soil that intensified 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 suggestions that he manages 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 pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, they relinquished the Six Nations title after a decisive and reality-check 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 readiness have not been assisted by injuries to key players, too, with established performers Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those unavailable.

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 surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated on the back of a excellent opening 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 opportunity to prove he can be a established loose forward.

Farrell has also reminded his more veteran squad members of the developing players by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.

Recently, 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 believes he is ready to experience the top tier.

With 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, winning both games.

Sheehan said the current group matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of successes.

"That historic win, 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.

"Obviously we've had some significant clashes 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 seeking a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are certainly 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 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 game-breaking 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 exceptional 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 excels against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries registered versus Farrell's side.

Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a historic loss to avenge.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the perfect components.

Ireland will certainly not be lacking in support, with green jerseys present all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will evoke 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 second time 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.