Jack McGrath believes that if Ireland can reproduce the intensity they showed in their 2013 near-miss against New Zealand, only this time for the full 80 minutes, a first victory over the All Blacks can become a reality in Chicago.
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The Leinster prop came off the bench for that 24-22 defeat at the Aviva Stadium three years ago, but starts Saturday's fixture as Ireland once again go in search of that maiden elusive triumph over the world champions.
This weekend's Soldier Field encounter is the first of two games between the sides this November, and McGrath contends that New Zealand's last visit to Dublin provided the All Blacks with a unique challenge that Joe Schmidt's side will be looking to replicate.
"Last time we played them we showed a physicality that I don't think they'd played against for a long time," McGrath told RTÉ Sport.
"I don't think they've played against teams that have put them under that much pressure. They've been able to play out of positions where they are comfortable.
"For us, it's to keep putting pressure on them, and continual pressure rather that just one phase, two phases, we need to keep backing it up, and from the first minute to the 80th minute.
"We can take a lot from 2013, our physicality and our knowledge of plays, and not being overawed by them, they are still only humans.
"They are the best team in the world, but if we can apply the pressure and play the game we want to play over 80 minutes we'll be going the right way to winning the game."
The need to put in an 80-minute performance is what haunted Ireland three years ago, when Ryan Crotty's last-gasp try denied the hosts victory, and New Zealand have continued to put opponents to the sword in the latter stages of games.
The All Blacks recorded bonus-point wins in all six of the Rugby Championship fixtures, averaging more than 40 points per game, many of which came in the latter stages against teams weary from a gruelling encounter.
"Last time we played them we showed a physicality that I don't think they'd played against for a long time."
However, while McGrath recognises the need for Ireland to hold something in reserve for the final quarter, they must not allow their intensity to drop before then.
"It's famous now and they are known for their last 20 minutes," McGrath said. "When their subs come on, they up the tempo.
"Teams have played with them for 60 minutes and then they roll on their bench and they cause huge issues for teams.
"We've learned to our detriment that you have to play for the full 80 minutes, and they've shown in the Rugby Championship this year that teams have been in touching distance of them and in the last 20 they've just blown them out of the water.
"It's something we have to concentrate on, but we have to get the first 60 minutes right first."
