Fall Internationals: Ireland v New Zealand
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago Fixture: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 20:10 GMT
As they return to the venue of one of their most famous wins, Ireland stand with a statement to make.
Nine years ago, they were mostly dismissed before confronting the All Blacks in a major Windy City clash at Soldier Field.
This wasn't unexpected. New Zealand were reigning world cup winners and in the middle of an 18-game winning streak, while they boasted 27 victories and a draw from 28 prior encounters with the Irish.
Considering that week almost a decade later, hooker Codie Taylor this week admitted the All Blacks got "caught up" in the hubbub created by the Chicago Cubs' first baseball World Series win in 108 years.
For Ireland, the team focused intensely and set about lifting their own generational curse.
The end result was a breakthrough triumph over the All Blacks after 111 years of attempting, a day that transformed the path of Irish rugby and sparked an passionate and engaging contest 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 scoff at those who view them as a waning team.
Leadership Test
Andy Farrell, defensive coordinator under Joe Schmidt in 2016, has secured a great deal as Ireland manager, not least the 2022 series triumph on New Zealand soil that added more fire to a developing rivalry.
But, having returned to his day job after his break with the British and Irish Lions, Farrell has been bothered by assertions that he manages an ageing and not fully ready Irish squad heading into an autumn campaign that also includes home matches against Japan, Australia and South Africa.
Nevertheless, 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 surrendered the Six Nations title after a comprehensive and humbling home defeat by France.
Farrell brought a historic number of Irish players 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 injuries to important squad members, too, with regular starters Hugo Keenan, Joe McCarthy and Mack Hansen among those absent.
Crowley Back at 10
With Ireland's frontline side 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 evaluated 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 reinstated on the back of a impressive beginning to the season with Munster, while Stuart McCloskey and Tommy O'Brien are merited selections at inside centre and right wing.
In the forwards, Farrell has given Ryan Baird another opportunity to prove he can be a consistent flanker option.
Farrell has also signaled his more experienced players of the youth coming through by selecting Paddy McCarthy on the bench.
Recently, Farrell said the 22-year-old prop has been on his consideration 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 since his first Leinster start, Farrell clearly believes he is ready to taste the highest level.
Skipper's Responsibility
As 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, coming out on top in both contests.
Sheehan said the current group repeating the 2016 win would be "right up there" in this squad's list of achievements.
"The 2016 achievement, we've discussed it a bit, that was a bit of a memorable occasion for every Irish sports fan," he said.
"Significant moments, 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 enthusiastic to almost experience that day in 2016 and for the return fixture."
All Blacks Seeking Hat-trick
New Zealand are aiming for a third consecutive wins over Ireland - after edging an epic 2023 World Cup quarter-final in Paris before securing a deserved 23-13 victory in Dublin last year.
The All Blacks are certainly 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 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 powerful counter-attacking team filled with decisive talent.
Two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett's return at fly-half is a considerable boost for Robertson, while Ardie Savea has been outstanding against Ireland in the past.
And in Will Jordan the All Blacks boast 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.
Major Implications
Ireland have a reputation to defend. New Zealand have a memorable setback to overcome.
With the United States set to host the World Cup in 2031, there is no bad time to drum up interest in rugby, and this American reunion between two of the sport's heavyweights has all the necessary elements.
Ireland will definitely not be lacking in support, with emerald shirts present all over downtown Chicago 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 proves decisive in Chicago for the repeat performance remains to be seen.
Team Selections
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.
