The Irish team and All Blacks Primed for Windy City Reunion

Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand

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

As they return to the venue of one of their historic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.

Back in 2016, they were largely written off before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

The skepticism was understandable. New Zealand were world champions and in the midst of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters 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 frenzy 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 final outcome was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the trajectory of Irish rugby and sparked an fierce and compelling rivalry between the sides.

Although beating the All Blacks this weekend would not be as earth-shattering as it was in 2016, it would be the ideal manner for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a declining power.

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

But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by claims that he presides over an ageing and undercooked Irish squad entering an November tests 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 comprehensive and sobering 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 preparations have not been helped by fitness concerns to crucial team members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

Given Ireland's first-choice team 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 strong start 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 chance to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.

Farrell has also reminded his more experienced players of the youth coming through 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to taste the top tier.

With 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, winning both games.

Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" 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.

"Huge recollections, everyone has a recollection of where they were and how special that day was.

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

New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming 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 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 boasting match-winning 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 brilliant against Ireland in the past.

And in Will Jordan the All Blacks possess one of the game's most effective 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 statement to make. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to generate excitement in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's top teams has all the right ingredients.

Ireland will certainly not be short of support, with emerald shirts 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 propel Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference 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.