Ireland coach Joe Schmidt will reveal early next week whether he will commit his long-term future to Ireland or return to his native New Zealand.
Schmidt, who has led Ireland to three Six Nations titles in his five seasons in charge, has been touted as a successor to Steve Hansen as All Blacks coach, when both their contracts expire after next year's World Cup.
Hansen has confirmed he'll announce his decision before Christmas, but Schmidt's decision could be an indication of what Hansen's plans are.
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Ireland have only lost one test in 2018 - against Australia in June - and a win against the USA Eagles on Sunday (NZ time) would see them finish their season with an outstanding 11-1 record.
Schmidt, 53, said he would make a much-anticipated announcement on his future by early next week.
"It's a decision that will probably not be finalised until Sunday [local time], certainly by early next week," said Schmidt. "But it's a decision that's been a long time coming.
"The family I have probably committed most to is this family I live within Carton House [Ireland's training base], as much as it is the family I have at home.
"I'd like to be able to take a deep breath on Sunday. I know I can't continue to just go backwards and forwards, because to be honest, I've beaten myself up enough about this decision.
"I'm probably going to be the most pleased of anyone when it finally is made."
Schmidt has been the mastermind behind both Ireland's victories over the All Blacks, including last week's 16-9 win in Dublin.
He has also guided the Irish from eighth to second in the world rankings over five years at the helm.
The Eagles are also chasing a slice of history against Ireland. A win for them would mean they finish the calendar year with an unbeaten record in test matches.
They have won all nine matches this year, including a shock win over Scotland in June.
The 13th-ranked nation did lose to the Māori All Blacks three weeks ago, but the fixture wasn't classed as a test match.
Coach Gary Gold has named Kiwi and former Chicago Bears fullback Paul Lasike to start in the centres.
"We know this weekend will present our greatest challenge yet, with the Ireland side still buzzing from their historic victory over the All Blacks," said Gold.
"Ireland will be relentless as ever this weekend and our guys have spent the last week ensuring that they approach Saturday's game with the level of intensity that will put us in the best position to meet the fight."
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