Ireland and All Blacks Primed 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 victories, Ireland find themselves with a mission to accomplish.

Nine years ago, they were generally underestimated before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.

It was hardly surprising. New Zealand were global title holders and in the thick of an 18 consecutive victories, 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 "caught up" in the frenzy created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

On the other side, the team knuckled down and set about overcoming their own century-long hoodoo.

The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating competition 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 declining power.

Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has accomplished a great deal as Ireland boss, not least the 2022 series success on New Zealand soil that intensified to a developing rivalry.

But, having come back to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he leads an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad approaching an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

Nevertheless, there is no questioning 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 thumping and reality-check home defeat by France.

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

Ireland's preparations have not been aided by physical setbacks to important squad members, too, with first-choice players Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those missing.

Given Ireland's starting lineup having not played together since the Six Nations win over Italy in March, Farrell has been working with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.

And, having assessed his players over the past 10 days, he has decided to fill his team with players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who surrendered the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is reinstated 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance 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 impressing 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 thinks he is ready to experience the top tier.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has entrusted Dan Sheehan with the captaincy.

The 27-year-old hooker led Ireland against Wales in this year's Six Nations and captained 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 achievements.

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

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

"Obviously 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 return fixture."

New Zealand are targeting a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after just beating an memorable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are definitely more seasoned than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship leading to 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 doubters, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team boasting game-breaking talent.

Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's comeback at fly-half is a major plus for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.

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

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

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to generate excitement in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the right ingredients.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with Irish colors visible all over downtown Chicago on Friday night.

Their attendance at Soldier Field will bring back memories of that Paris quarter-final. It was not enough to push Ireland over the line then. Whether it proves decisive in Chicago for the return engagement 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.