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:
9. Ben White
After his hat-trick against USA, Jamie Dobie will surely feature against New Zealand, however the Toulon man's experience may just get him the nod. | SNS Group / SRU
10. Finn Russell
The talisman is back from club duty now and could produce the bit of magic Scotland need if they're to get a result at Murrayfield. | SNS Group / SRU
11. Duhan Van Der Merwe
After getting his 50th cap last weekend the South African born winger should kick on for this one, although Kyle Steyn would be unlucky to miss out given his abilities at dealing with the high ball. | SNS Group / SRU
12. Sione Tuipulotu (C)
A Lion and a leader. The Aussie-born skipper will need no extra extra motivation for a match against the Kiwis, however he'll be without his usual right-hand man Huw Jones, who remains sidelined with an achilles injury. | SNS Group / SRU