Memories of Ireland's 2016 40-29 win, the first by them against the All Blacks, are high in the build-up in Chicago, but do not override the need to seek improvement in every outing as the countdown to the 2027 Rugby World Cup builds.
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said all members of the squad are available for selection. The team has settled in and is ready to build on the training days they had in Auckland before departing.
Since their games against the Springboks and Wallabies in the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship, they have been concentrating on their set piece, which had been 'up and down' in those games. And they had also been working on skill sets, such as mindsets.
"The pack care deeply about their craft, and they work a lot at it. Every game is different, every person, and every opposition you're up against is different.
"If they drop the knee or crank the elbow, or they cross the line in the lineout or whatever, or who you're up against, you've got to find ways to master that.
"And that's what we've been working on."
Robertson said while Ireland hadn't played Tests since the end of the Six Nations, their 16 members of the British & Irish Lions will have benefited from their tour of Australia.
"They had to play Test footy, so they'll be ready. We expect the best out of them."
Ireland has its strengths, is well organised and well-structured, and goes deep into the phase counts.
"We expect that again."
Ireland had many experienced players who knew how to play Test rugby.
"They're a well-coached team with a lot of cohesion. They kick well, they've got a good allround game, and they've got some world-class players that you respect.
The All Blacks might be 10 Tests into their season, but that didn't guarantee anything. They still have to turn up on the day.
Robertson said the All Blacks were a little ahead of where they were at the same time last year and had learned more about the margins in games.
The ability to keep constant pressure on teams, while improving individually and collectively, especially in the second halves of games, would be necessary.
"We're not far away. It mightn't seem like it with the results, but we're confident when we get our attack right and defensively when we're physical and highly-disciplined, we'll match anyone. That's the exciting part, doing it consistently."
