The Irish team and New Zealand Ready for Windy City Showdown

Fall Internationals: Irish vs All Blacks

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

As they return to the scene of one of their iconic triumphs, Ireland find themselves with a statement to make.

Nine years ago, they were generally underestimated before facing the All Blacks in a Chicago blockbuster at Soldier Field.

This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were global title holders and in the midst of an 18 consecutive victories, while they maintained 27 victories and a draw from 28 earlier matchups with the Irish.

Reflecting on that week nine years on, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the excitement created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

On the other side, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own century-long hoodoo.

The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the trajectory of Irish rugby and fueled an passionate and engaging rivalry between the sides.

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

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

But, having returned to his primary role after his sabbatical with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been annoyed by suggestions that he leads an veteran and underprepared Irish squad heading into an November tests that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, there is no denying that Ireland are at an crucial stage 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 historic number of Irish players on the Lions tour, the consequences 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 fitness concerns to important squad members, 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 training 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 players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is returned on the back of a strong start to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections 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 developing players 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to experience 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 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 accomplishments.

"That historic win, we've mentioned 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 big battles 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 successive wins over Ireland - after just beating an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before claiming a merited 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are certainly more battle-hardened 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 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 lethal counter-attacking team packed 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 brilliant 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 delivers against Ireland, too, with five of his 43 Test tries scored against Farrell's side.

Ireland have a statement to make. New Zealand have a historic loss to overcome.

Given the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this Stateside clash between two of the sport's powerhouses has all the necessary elements.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts dotted all over central Chicago on Friday night.

Their attendance at Soldier Field will bring back 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.