After 120 years of trying and 32 consecutive failures, Scotland stands on the brink of rugby history this weekend as they host the All Blacks at a celebratory Murrayfield. The iconic stadium marks its 100th anniversary, but the Scottish team faces an even more significant monument: their quest for a first-ever victory against New Zealand.
Team Selection Shake-Up
In a surprising tactical move, head coach Gregor Townsend has made the bold decision to leave powerhouse winger Duhan van der Merwe out of the matchday 23 entirely. This opens the door for Kyle Steyn to start on the wing, while Blair Kinghorn returns at full-back after being released from club duties with Toulouse.
The omission of Van der Merwe comes despite his two-try performance last weekend against the USA, which brought up his 50th cap. His regular wing partner, Darcy Graham, scored a hat-trick in that match, drawing level with Van der Merwe on 34 test tries. Graham now has the opportunity to become Scotland's outright leading try-scorer if he crosses the line against the All Blacks.
A History of Narrow Margins
While Scotland remain underdogs, with bookmakers rating New Zealand as eight-point favourites, recent encounters suggest this could be their best opportunity yet. The last meeting at Murrayfield in 2022 saw New Zealand escape with an eight-point victory in a match that could have gone either way.
Scotland famously surrendered a 23-14 lead in that encounter, losing the final quarter 17-0 after having dominated much of the match. Coach Townsend described the loss as particularly painful, expressing his wish that Scotland could play the All Blacks more regularly to finally break their duck.
Key Battles Across the Park
Scotland welcome back several key players for this historic clash. Finn Russell returns at fly-half from Bath, forming a half-back partnership with Ben White from Toulon. In the midfield, Sione Tuipulotu resumes the captaincy alongside Northampton's Rory Hutchinson.
The pack shows a distinct physical emphasis, with Matt Fagerson lining up at openside flanker in a heavyweight back row. D'Arcy Rae retains his place at tighthead prop after making his first start last weekend.
New Zealand arrive with their own changes, making three adjustments from the side that defeated Ireland in Chicago. With captain Scott Barrett injured, Ardie Savea takes over the leadership, while Beauden Barrett remains as the sole Barrett brother in the starting XV at fly-half.
Murrayfield's Centenary Celebration
The stage is set for a memorable occasion at the famous Edinburgh ground, which celebrates its centenary with what promises to be the showcase fixture of the autumn internationals. Despite the weight of history against them, Scotland sense a genuine opportunity to finally rewrite the record books against the mighty All Blacks.
Elsewhere in the Autumn Nations Series, attention will also focus on Paris where France and South Africa replay their extraordinary World Cup quarter-final from two years ago. Meanwhile, Ireland welcome back captain Caelan Doris from injury for their match against Japan in Dublin.
