Ireland and New Zealand Primed for Chicago Showdown

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the venue of one of their historic victories, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.

Nine years ago, they were largely written off 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 thick of an 18-match unbeaten run, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 previous meetings with the Irish.

Reflecting on that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week acknowledged the All Blacks got "swept away" 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 111-year drought.

The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of competing, a day that changed the direction of Irish rugby and ignited an passionate and engaging 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 perfect way for Ireland to disprove those who view them as a waning team.

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

But, having returned to his primary role after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by claims that he presides over an older and underprepared 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 crucial stage two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's time away, 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 to their name this season.

Ireland's training have not been assisted by fitness concerns to key players, 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 working with his squad in Chicago since 21 October.

And, having scrutinised his players over the past 10 days, he has chosen to fill his team with form players.

Jack Crowley, who gave up 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 pack, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another chance 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.

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 believes he is ready to taste the highest level.

With Caelan Doris on the bench after recovering from shoulder surgery, Farrell has given 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, securing victories in both matches.

Sheehan said the present squad matching the 2016 win would be "among the top" in this squad's list of accomplishments.

"The 2016 achievement, we've talked about 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.

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

New Zealand are targeting a third successive wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are undoubtedly more battle-hardened 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 placed second to South Africa in the Rugby Championship over the past two years and, while head coach Scott Robertson has his detractors, they remain a lethal counter-attacking team filled with game-breaking 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 have one of the game's most effective finishers. The 27-year-old usually excels 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 famous defeat to rectify.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no poor moment to build anticipation in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's top teams has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of 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 push Ireland over the line then. Whether it makes the difference in Chicago for the repeat performance will be discovered.

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.