New Zealand flanker Simon Parker can still recall the haunted faces of the All Blacks side that lost to Ireland in Chicago and is determined to avoid a repeat tomorrow night.
The Chiefs back row, who will win his sixth international cap at Soldier Field (8.10pm Irish time), was just 16 when Ireland pulled off a famous shock victory at Soldier Field, ending a 111-year wait for a win in the fixture.
"We certainly haven't forgotten what happened in 2016," said Parker, who stands 6ft 6in and weighs over 18 stone.
"I remember the cameras showing just how gutted the All Blacks were.
"You could see it in their faces. We don't want to have a repeat of that.
"We've huge respect for Ireland.
"They've been a great team for a number of years now. It's going to be a great battle and one we're looking forward to kick off our northern tour."
Parker will come up against Ryan Baird, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan in the Irish back row, with Tadhg Beirne, effectively another loose forward, named in the second row.
Captain Caelan Doris will make his return from injury off the bench and likely go to number 8.
"They've got impact right across the park," Parker added.
"They’ve got boys who can do the tough stuff and go at brick walls, then they’ve got people on the outside who can offload and play with a bit of flair.
"They’re a great set-piece back row as well, so that’s obviously a focus for us."
Assistant coach Tamati Ellison featured for the All Blacks when they handed Ireland a savage 60-0 beating in 2012.
He acknowledges that the dynamic between the teams has now changed.
"That might have been one of Sam Cane's first games," he said.
"They've definitely grown. They were world-leading in some of the attacking shape and a lot of teams have copied that.
"There was a period in New Zealand that the long, flat balls, and playing on top of teams [was the norm].
"But as defences came higher on the edge, being able to draw people off their line, it was a throwback to times gone by with the shorter passing. Ireland brought that back and people have copied that in recent years."
The former Hurricanes and Highlanders utility back is a friend of current Ireland backs coach and fellow Kiwi Andrew Goodman.
The pair overlapped when coaches at Crusaders before Goodman moved to Leinster in 2022.
"He'll have some specials in some areas where he feels there's weakness.
"We've got to make sure our structures are strong."
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