Scotland v New Zealand: 'We can make history', says Rob Harley

Rob Harley has been preparing to break down New Zealand's brick wall defence

Scotland can overcome the weight of history and defeat the All Blacks for the first time, according to Glasgow Warriors flanker Rob Harley.

"If, as one, we're all together and we provide a performance for 80 minutes then there's no reason we can't," he said ahead of the Test at Murrayfield.

Scotland have not beaten New Zealand in 29 meetings, drawing just twice.

"People will talk about the history, but it was not as if it was this squad of players in all those," said Harley.

"We come in kind of fresh and me and a number of the other guys have never played against the All Blacks.

"I'm very excited because it is a big deal to play the All Blacks - a famous team in rugby terms and current world champions.

"As well as that, I've never had the chance to play against them at any level and I'm really excited to get the chance at Murrayfield in front of what looks like being a packed-out stadium."

New Zealand's unbeaten run against Scotland is the longest-running between any two tier-one rugby nations, but Harley believes it can be ended if everyone - from playing staff to fans - are united.

"It definitely can be and it's the sort of thing that will take a historic effort from our team, from the coaches, from the players and everyone in the stand because that's the kind of thing that gives you a lift in these games and can push you over the edge," he told BBC Scotland.

Much has been said in the build-up about the impact for the All Blacks of renowned fly-half Dan Carter returning to the starting line-up following long-term injury.

"I don't know if we will be particularly focusing on individuals because they are so dangerous all over the park," said Harley.

"We'll have our systems and we'll be sticking to them and will be playing to our strengths as well and trying to present them with challenges and let them worry about us."

Harley said that Scotland captain Greig Laidlaw had stressed that their side must try to put pressure of New Zealand.

"We've had a very good week in training running through our shape and our moves and Greig was saying to us 'let's not sit back and watch how good they are. Let's go and show the crowd here how good we can be and take the game to them'," he added.

"It's important to enjoy the opportunity that we are coming up against one of the greatest teams in the world and they've got some world class players."