Ireland and All Blacks Ready for Windy City Rematch

Autumn Nations Series: Irish vs All Blacks

Location: Soldier Field, Chicago Date: Saturday, 1 November Start time: 20:10 GMT

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

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

Looking back at that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "distracted" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.

For Ireland, the team concentrated fully and set about breaking their own 111-year drought.

The final outcome was a first win over the All Blacks after 111 years of trying, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and ignited an intense and captivating contest 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 fading force.

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

But, having returned to his primary role after his time away with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been irked by suggestions that he leads an ageing and undercooked Irish squad entering an fall series that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.

However, there is no denying that Ireland are at an pivotal moment two years out from the World Cup in Australia.

In Farrell's absence, they lost 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 under their belt this season.

Ireland's readiness have not been aided by fitness concerns to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.

Given Ireland's frontline side 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 evaluated his players over the past 10 days, he has opted to fill his team with players performing well.

Jack Crowley, who lost the fly-half jersey to Sam Prendergast a year ago, is restored 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 consistent flanker option.

Farrell has also signaled his more veteran squad members 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 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 removed from his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly feels he is ready to experience the elite competition.

As Caelan Doris on the bench after returning 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 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 successes.

"The 2016 achievement, we've mentioned it a bit, that was a bit of a defining experience for every Irish sports fan," he said.

"Significant moments, everyone has a recollection 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 enthusiastic to almost feel a part of that day in 2016 and for the second meeting."

New Zealand are seeking a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an unforgettable 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before achieving a earned 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.

The All Blacks are definitely more battle-hardened than Ireland, with a Test series against France and the Rugby Championship meaning 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 devastating 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 major plus for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding 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 scored against Farrell's side.

Ireland have a point to prove. New Zealand have a memorable setback to avenge.

With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no wrong occasion to generate excitement in rugby, and this US meeting between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the right ingredients.

Ireland will undoubtedly not be short of support, with Irish colors visible all over the city center on Friday night.

Their appearance at Soldier Field will recall 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 repeat performance 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.