As the All Blacks fixture fast approaches, we think the Scotland coach will go for experienced customers over explosive youngsters in a potential history-making fixture.
In 32 attempts, Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in a competitive rugby union outing, with a 25-25 draw at Murrayfield in 1983 being the closest they’ve come to toppling International Rugby’s biggest powerhouse. Despite the abysmal record, the Scots last three fixtures against the Kiwis have all been lost by fine margins.
As Gregor Townsend picks a squad that he hopes can find that extra gear to get over the line against a star-studded All Blacks side, he has a number of selection headaches to deal with after Scotland’s biggest ever win at Murrayfield against the USA.
However, in a test that is in a different stratosphere in terms of difficulty, with Scotland’s French-based players such as Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn back in the fold, as well as the likes of Sione Tuipulotu, Pierre Schoeman and Ewan Ashman rested for the USA clash, a plethora of changes are expected to be made by the Scotland coach.
Here’s how we predict Scotland to line-up against the All Blacks at Murrayfield on Saturday afternoon:
5. Scott Cummings
No doubts over this one. The partnership of work-horses, Cummings and Gilchrist could be pivotal to the result on Saturday. | SNS Group / SRU
6. Jamie Ritchie
Again, picking experience over potential, the Perpignan man has very seldom let his country down in years gone by. | SNS Group / SRU
7. Matt Fagerson
After a dream debut, McConnell will be knocking on the door in the future, but after being rested against the Americans and Rory Darge just coming back from injury, Fagerson is expected to get the nod. | SNS Group / SRU
8. Jack Dempsey
The number-eight played the first half against USA while not long returning from injury himself. With some minutes back in the legs he should be ready to go for the All Blacks test. | SNS Group