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:
13. Stafford McDowall
Moved to outside centre to accommodate Tuipulotu, Saturday's captain controlled the game against The Eagles but is set to return to a more familiar role. | SNS Group
14. Darcy Graham
Equalled Duhan's all-time try record against the US as the pair continue their own internal battle. The wee man will be giving everything for a score against the All Blacks. | SNS Group / SRU
15. Blair Kinghorn
Kyle Rowe was exceptional against the Americans, but the Toulouse man is in fine form at club level and will surely slot back in. | SNS Group / SRU