Ireland return to the scene of one of their most famous triumphs when they face Italy in Chicago in their November Test opener on Saturday.
Soldier Field was the setting for their superb 40-29 victory over New Zealand in 2016, which was a yardstick moment for Joe Schmidt’s team. They have since gone on to win the Six Nations in 2018 and are now firmly amongst the favourites to lift the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan.
This month they face the Azzurri, Pumas, New Zealand and USA and with no disrespect to the rest but the All Blacks fixture is the one they will target, looking to prove Chicago was no fluke and also gain revenge for New Zealand’s victory in Dublin a fortnight after that win.
Their opponents on Saturday ended an eight-match losing run in June this year when they beat Japan 25-22, which lifted some gloom. That was only their second win in 19 internationals which shows just what a job Conor O’Shea has if he’s to build confidence ahead of the World Cup.
What will give Italy hope moving forward is the early-season form of Benetton Rugby and Zebre, who have already won a combined total of six matches in their opening 14 PRO14 games. They also both have one win out of two games in the Challenge Cup in a solid start to the campaign.
Ireland though are purring right now with Leinster once again their flagship side at the PRO14 summit. They boast depth in all areas and as mentioned are well stocked for a serious charge at the Webb Ellis trophy. From top to bottom their strength is only rivalled by New Zealand.
Such strength is illustrated by this side they have named for Saturday. Despite missing their first-choice half-backs, back-row, second-row and front-row, this is a fearsome XV that could mix it with many around the world. The backline in particular is full of attacking threats.
Italy could be in danger of another hammering similar to the one they took in Dublin earlier this year, with Ireland having put 56 or more points past the Azzurri in their last three meetings.
Players to watch:
For Ireland: Scrum-half Luke McGrath will be looking to press his claims in the absence of Conor Murray and a strong performance on Saturday would decrease the pressure on Murray in his race to be fit to face New Zealand. McGrath has been outstanding for Leinster during their recent dominance of the club game and alongside Joey Carbery, this is a mouth-watering pairing that should cause Italy many problems.
For Italy: Handed the captaincy, expect Michele Campagnaro to lead by example for the Azzurri. The recently released Exeter Chiefs centre has always shown great endeavour whenever on the field for both the Premiership club and his country and with the added responsibility of being skipper, he will be fired up to impress. Campagnaro has big shoes to fill however as Sergio Parisse sits out this international.
Head-to-head: Speaking of captains, Rhys Ruddock lines up against Johan Meyer in Chicago in a clash that will provide sparks. Meyer is a no-nonsense carrier who, if given room to run, will punish defences so Ruddock will need to be on his game to silence the Zebre man on Saturday.
Previous results:
2018: Ireland won 56-19 in Dublin
2017: Ireland won 63-10 in Rome
2016: Ireland won 58-15 in Dublin
2015: Ireland won 16-9 in London
2015: Ireland won 26-3 in Rome
2014: Ireland won 46-7 in Dublin
2013: Italy won 22-15 in Rome
2012: Ireland won 42-10 in Dublin
Prediction: It’s tough to see Italy coming close at Soldier Field. Ireland by 25.
The teams:
Ireland: 15 Jordan Larmour, 14 Andrew Conway, 13 Garry Ringrose, 12 Bundee Aki, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Joey Carbery, 9 Luke McGrath, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Josh van der Flier, 6 Rhys Ruddock (c), 5 Quinn Roux, 4 Tadhg Beirne, 3 Andrew Porter, 2 Niall Scannell, 1 Jack McGrath
Replacements: 16 Sean Cronin, 17 Dave Kilcoyne, 18 Finlay Bealham, 19 Devin Toner, 20 Jordi Murphy, 21 John Cooney, 22 Ross Byrne, 23 Will Addison
Italy: 15 Luca Sperandio, 14 Mattia Bellini, 13 Michele Campagnaro (c), 12 Luca Morisi, 11 Giulio Bisegni, 10 Carlo Canna, 9 Tito Tebaldi, 8 Rento Giammarioli, 7 Bram Steyn, 6 Johan Meyer, 5 George Fabio Biagi, 4 Marco Fuser, 3 Tiziano Pasquali, 2 Luca Bigi, 1 Nicola Quaglio
Replacements: 16 Oliviero Fabiani, 17 Cherif Traore, 18 Giosue Zilocchi, 19 Marco Lazzaroni, 20 Federico Ruzza, 21 Jimmy Tuivatti, 22 Guglielmo Palazzani, 23 Ian McKinley
Date: Saturday, November 3
Venue: Soldier Field, Chicago
Kick-off: 15:00 local (20:00 GMT)
Referee: Nigel Owens (Wales)
Assistant referees: Romain Poite (France), Alexandre Ruiz (France)
Television match official: David Ardrey (USA)