Both sides on Saturday are able to field former World Rugby players of the year at open-side flanker.
Savea, who won the award in 2023, was only breaking into the international set-up when this pair met at Soldier Field nine years ago but now is arguably the talismanic figure in the New Zealand squad.
A four-time recipient of the All Blacks’ player of the year award, the 32-year-old won his 100th cap during this year’s Rugby Championship and both his ball-playing ability and work-rate ensure his status among the game’s very best players.
Also 32-years-old, Van der Flier was making just his third Ireland appearance in the historic 2016 win.
The Leinster player, who immediately preceded Savea as world player of the year, has featured in 10 straight meetings between the sides with Saturday representing the 11th. Given that the pair also went head-to-head at under-20s level, his rivalry with Savea is now a familiar one.
After the disappointment of missing out on the Test team for the British and Irish Lions, and seeing Leinster’s back row bossed by an inspirational Tadhg Beirne against Munster in Croke Park, Ireland will be banking on Van der Flier being at his best back in Chicago.