Scottish Rugby

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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New Zealand captain Ardie Savea says the prospect of losing their unbeaten record has instilled an "appropriate fear" as they bid to overcome a "class" Scotland side at Murrayfield on Saturday.

In 32 meetings across 120 years, the All Blacks have never lost to Scotland, though the last three matches have all been decided by single-digit winning margins.

"You don't want to be the first team [to lose to Scotland], so that puts us on edge a bit," said Savea.

"We understand Scotland's mindset as well and how much it will mean to them. So it builds appropriate fear and we don't want that to happen.

"Scotland are a quality side and I think the last three games we've played it's been within seven or eight points, so it's no easy feat. So we understand the challenge ahead and we're really excited to come here and play

"Scotland are a team of class and they've got world-class players. The majority of them have come from British and Irish Lions, they're seasoned players, so we understand the threat they pose, but also we're prepared for that and we've just got to turn up and action what we're going to say."

Savea highlighted Finn Russell as one of the threats, and was asked how the All Blacks will go about shutting the Scotland fly-half down.

"I don't know if there's a way," said the back-row. "It's the beauty about a real class player like Finn, he's unpredictable.

"He does things no other players can do and I don't think we can prepare, so we've just got to understand what he can bring and just try and shut his time down. But he's a world-class player and I'm really looking forward to playing against him."

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu has called on his players to step onto the pitch at Murrayfield on Saturday fully believing they will deliver the nation's first ever victory over New Zealand.

The Scots have not beaten the All Blacks in 120 years of trying, losing 30 and drawing two of the 32 meetings between the sides.

Saturday's fixture also marks 100 years of Murrayfield Stadium, and Tuipulotu wants his team to harness the emotion of the occasion to deliver a famous win.

"I spoke to the boys about it before, that 60,000 people are coming to the stadium to watch us on Saturday and it would be a damn shame if we don't believe," said the British and Irish Lions centre.

"I think that's the most important thing, that when we do run out of the tunnel, I look around and I see 22 other guys that believe that we can win this fixture.

"It's also 100 years of Murrayfield, we're wearing this jersey to commemorate all the people that have played before us in this jersey as well.

"So it's bigger than the record against New Zealand, it's also the history of Murrayfield that we're thinking about as well so we understand all the things that come with it."

Last week saw 13 stalwarts of the Scottish game, including former Scotland and Lions international Scott Hastings, inducted into the Scottish Rugby hall of fame.

Tuipulotu says hearing about the glories of Scottish teams past whetted his appetite to taste his own success in a Scotland jersey.

"I was actually at the Scottish hall of fame event, there were a few people that were getting inducted and just to hear the guys that have worn the jersey before, Scott Hastings got up there and talked and I remember it was pretty touching," he said.

"That's what we're striving towards so we understand everything that comes with celebrating the history of our jersey and we're ready to put out a performance that we think shows how much we care."

We asked for your views on Gregor Townsend's team selection and Scotland's chances of beating New Zealand on Saturday.

Here's what some of you said:

John: Duhan van der Merwe would have had his defensive weaknesses exposed by the All Blacks as they were during the Lions tour of Australia. Kyle Steyn can tackle and take a hit, and can score too. A sensible selection as it is playing a 13 at 13. Attack for 80 mins like we did against the USA, and who knows what might happen, and Murrayfield may well be party central.

Euan: It's a strong XV - we should be going in with higher expectations of a result against the All Blacks than we could have for decades. Townsend has eschewed the glamour of VDM, and even the known quantity of a Glasgow centre pairing, for a stronger defensive line with some unknown variables. I'm feeling bullish, if the wind and referee run in our favour, it feels as close as it's ever been.

Andrew: Scotland need the performance of a generation to beat the ABs, and they have the potential to do so. The last quarter of the game is where I have concern. From 60 mins onwards, the Kiwis found a new gear against the Irish in Chicago. Should be a cracker!

Mark: Looking forward to seeing Rory Hutchinson pairing up with Sione Tuipulotu. Feels like a natural replacement for Huw Jones. Steyn is a big call. However, I don't think VDM has been quite on it this season despite a couple of tries last week. Though the bench feels more of a concern. I see more pace than brawn which could be significant in the later stages. Backing blue though and fingers crossed for a historic win!

Chloe: Deserved selection for Steyn, an in-form winger. Lock selections, apart from Scott Cummings, aren't great. I would've had Brown at five, Fagerson at six, Andy Christie at seven and Max Williamson off the bench. No Zander is huge loss.

Paul: Townsend has been bold with his backline selection, and has got this one right. Rory Hutchinson and Steyn are the men for this one. In the pack, it is no real surprise that Fagerson isn't pitched right back into it, but it's a blow, nevertheless. I still think we're short a heavyweight carrying option in the second row. New Zealand remain a fearsome prospect. Can we do it? There's a puncher's chance, but I'm not putting money on it.

Adam: It's a strong team, I think our best possible team. Steyn is a more complete winger than Duhan who will clearly be disappointed. Brown in for Jamie Ritchie, absolutely, with Josh Bayliss I think we have two really dynamic players into the 23. Anyone who has watched Bayliss as first-choice flanker for Bath keeping English internationals on the bench will realise he is a formidable player.

The teams have been named and the countdown is on for the big one at Murrayfield on Saturday as Scotland host New Zealand.

The BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast provides unmissable build-up as Tom English and Andy Burke discuss Gregor Townsend's selections, plus we hear from New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson and fly-half Beauden Barrett.

Give it a listen here

Andy Burke
BBC Sport Scotland Senior Reporter

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Dropping Duhan van der Merwe, Scotland's joint-record try scorer, in favour of Kyle Steyn for the match against New Zealand on Saturday is a huge call from Gregor Townsend but an understandable one.

Nobody offers what Van der Merwe does in an attack, but defensively and under the high ball he can be suspect.

Steyn is the more rounded player and while he does not produce the fireworks of Van der Merwe, he will bring aerial ability and defensive nous, and his own try return at Test level is very good.

The glaring area of concern is at tighthead. The failure of Zander Fagerson to recover from injury in time to face the All Blacks is a grievous blow.

D'Arcy Rae is simply not at Fagerson's level and has little experience in the Test arena, certainly in games of this magnitude.

The Edinburgh prop will need to find a level he has never done before, much like when Darryl Marfo emerged from nowhere amid a front-row injury crisis to face the All Blacks in 2017 and let nobody down.

Rae's one and only job will be to keep up his side of the scrum. Easier said than done against the power of Ethan de Groot.

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has been talking to the media before his side's Test against New Zealand.

Here are the best bits from his press conference:

• On the decision to select Kyle Steyn ahead of Duhan van der Merwe, Townsend says it is a "reward" for Steyn's impressive form.

• Van der Merwe "parked the disappointment" quickly and trained well this week despite his non-selection.

• Zander Fagerson came close to being available, but his knee "wasn't 100% right" for this game. Townsend hopes he will play a part in the autumn internationals.

• Townsend backed "experienced" D'Arcy Rae to fill Fagerson's shoes and pointed out that Edinburgh have scrummaged well this season.

• Ready for one of the biggest challenges in world rugby and says Scotland have to deliver "close to our best performance".

• Townsend hopes referee Nic Berry "doesn't have to be the centre of attention".

Gregor Townsend has named his Scotland team to face New Zealand, with Duhan van der Merwe dropped in favour of Kyle Steyn.

Zander Fagerson misses out after losing his fitness battle - D'Arcy Rae continues at tight-head - while established stars Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn return to the XV.

Has Townsend got his team selection right for this mouthwatering showdown? And can Scotland finally beat the All Blacks after 120 years of trying?

Let us know your thoughts on the line-up and give us your predictions for the game here.

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Ardie Savea will captain New Zealand against Scotland as the All Blacks make three starting changes for Saturday's match at Murrayfield.

Lock Josh Lord and outside centre Leicester Fainga'anuku have been brought in to replace injured duo Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett, while flanker Wallace Sititi comes in for Simon Parker.

Sam Darry provides lock cover and is joined by centre Billy Proctor and back-row Du'Plessis Kirifi as new additions to the visitors' bench.

The Barrett brothers had been captain and vice-captain for last weekend's 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago.

Elder sibling Beauden Barrett remains at fly-half and will make his 143rd international appearance in Edinburgh as vice-captain.

"We are honoured to be part of the 100th anniversary of rugby at Murrayfield, it will be a special occasion," said head coach Scott Robertson.

"We have a proud history with Scotland and recent games between us have been close. We have named the best team to reflect the challenge we know Scotland will present."

New Zealand: Will Jordan; Leroy Carter, Leicester Fainga'anuku, Quinn Tupaea, Caleb Clarke; Beauden Barrett, Cam Roigard; Ethan de Groot,Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea (capt), Peter Lakai.

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho,  Tamaiti Williams, Pasilio Tosi,  Sam Darry, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Cortez Ratima, Billy Proctor, Damian McKenzie.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scott Cummings admits Scotland must earn more victories against the world's top teams if they are to prove their progress as a squad.

The Scots welcome New Zealand to Murrayfield on Saturday, who they have never beaten in 32 matches across 120 years.

Gregor Townsend's side were beaten by France, England and Ireland in this year's Six Nations and lost to South Africa in last year's Autumn internationals.

"It's one of the matches we're targeting," second-rower Cummings said of the New Zealand clash.

"We're trying to grow as a team - it's about us trying to put more of the big teams to the sword.

"We've done it with some of the Six Nations teams, but South Africa and New Zealand, we haven't done that yet. It's something we're focusing on."

The Glasgow Warriors stalwart believes the excitement that accompanies a Test against New Zealand will ensure Scotland go into the match in the best possible state.

"There is a difference," he said. "It's a challenging thing not to let there be a difference.

"It should be the same every week and our processes aren't going to change.

"There might be a wee bit of extra bite in training and guys will be gutted not to be playing.

"Guys will be trying to put their hands up this week, so there will be a lift in intensity and that can only do us good to have a quality squad pushing together to make the 23 as good as it can be.

"There's always that wee bit of extra excitement around it, but it's something we'll control."

The match could be a special one in more ways than one for Cummings, who hopes his infant son Charlie will be in attendance at Murrayfield.

"It's been amazing," he said about becoming a father. "My son was born three weeks ago. It puts a new perspective on a couple of things.

"It's hard at times not being there to help my wife and see the wee man because he's changing so much every day.

"We're hoping [he can be at the game]. It would be lovely to get a picture with him after the match."

BBC Sport Scotland's Andy Burke has been answering some of your questions as Scotland gear up for the autumn Test against the mighty New Zealand at Murrayfield this weekend.

Simon asked: Can we throw Zander Fagerson in against the All Blacks or is it too big an ask for him considering the time he's been on the sidelines?

Andy answered: After Scotland's crushing victory over the USA, we were debating on BBC Radio Scotland whether this really is the time for that elusive win over the All Blacks.

The general feeling was one of cautious optimism, with one significant caveat – Zander Fagerson must be fit to play.

It has shades of 2017 when Scotland suffered a front-row injury crisis and Darryl Marfo had his few weeks in the sun.

The drop-off in quality at tighthead behind Fagerson is stark, so if he is fit to play then he simply has to, and for as long as possible.

Being pitched straight in to face the All Blacks after months on the sidelines is far from ideal, but Fagerson is a bit of a physical freak and if anyone can do it, it's him.

Will asked: Is Huw Jones Scotland's one and only true 13? Watching Stafford McDowall and Sione Tuipulotu for Glasgow together and one thing that sticks out is they are both very similar players, and as a result the midfield doesn't have the same bite as it does with Jones running attacking lines. Is it a concern there's no real 13s after Jones?

Andy answered: Yes, it is a bit of a concern and this is another massive selection call for Gregor Townsend.

Jones is such a massive loss. His running lines, his outside break and his understanding with Tuipulotu are key elements of the Scottish attack and there is no real like-for-like replacement.

I think Tuipulotu has to play 12. He can play 13, but is not quite as effective one position out in my opinion.

I suspect Townsend will go with the familiar combination of Tuipulotu-McDowall to match up to what will no doubt be a physical All Blacks centre pairing.

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Scotland have never beaten New Zealand, but winger Darcy Graham believes "if we are going to do it, it's got to be now" given the current strength of Saturday's hosts at Murrayfield.

Graham, 28, insists New Zealand have lost none of their aura as Scotland prepare to host an All Blacks side who have lost two of their past six matches.

Indeed, the tourists kicked off their autumn series campaign by beating Ireland 26-13, taking advantage of the hosts' third-minute red card for Tadhg Beirne.

New Zealand have lost to France, Argentina and South Africa in the past year, but wing Graham said: "They are no mugs. They are an incredible team with lots of history behind them and they are going to be coming here favourites."

Scotland started November with a thumping 85-0 win over the United States, but Graham realises "it wasn't the most challenging game" and it will be "a completely different kettle of fish" if they are to end a 120-year wait for a win over the All Blacks.

"If we are going to do it, it's got be now," he said. "We've obviously got that monkey on our back, so it would be very special to beat them.

"Especially the last two times we've played them, they were close games and I just wish we had the opportunity to play them more and really test ourselves.

"We can go toe-to-toe with anyone, but we need to be at our best for the full 80 minutes."

Graham added there is "a real buzz" among the Scotland players at the prospect.

"Growing up, you always want to play against the All Blacks," he added. "You don't get a bigger occasion.

"So, it is going to be special at Murrayfield and the atmosphere's going to be incredible."

New Zealand have never lost to Scotland and assistant coach Jason Holland and winger Faingaʻanuku are determined to maintain that 120-year record in Saturday's Murrayfield showdown.

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Fin Richardson has been called into Scotland's autumn Test squad as five players drop out before the visit of New Zealand to Murrayfield on Saturday.

The Glasgow Warriors tighthead prop, 27, made his senior international debut in July's 41-12 win over Samoa.

Injured forwards Alexander Masibaka and Will Hurd, of Montpellier and Leicester Tigers respectively, withdraw from Gregor Townsend's pool.

Edinburgh trio Liam McConnell, Harri Morris and Ross Thompson have returned to their club.

Flanker McConnell made his Scotland debut in Saturday's 85-0 win over the United States, hooker Morris is yet to win a senior cap, and fly-half Thompson has played six times for his country.

Got any burning questions on Scottish rugby? Our chief sports writer Tom English and reporter Andy Burke are ready to answer them.

Send them in via this link and a selection of answers will be published on this page later in the week.

George O'Neill
BBC Sport Scotland

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Scotland coach John Dalziel insists the focus is firmly on their own game plan as they try to secure a first ever win over New Zealand this weekend.

The All Blacks have won 30 and drawn two matches against Scotland since the first meeting of the sides 120 years ago.

"I think there's been a huge stigma with the All Blacks in the past and a lot of teams have built that up," Dalziel - who was part of the British and Irish Lions set-up last summer - said.

"We're really trying to focus on ourselves, on our game and what we build, and that's really been the approach, so we'll keep it that way. 80% will be on us and getting our best foot forward."

Scotland ran New Zealand close at Murrayfield in 2022, leading 23-14 before falling to a 31-23 defeat.

Dalziel says Scotland have grown since that heart-breaking loss and must take learnings if they find themselves in front on Saturday.

"It's been a great benchmark for us," he said of the 2022 match. "I think a lot of growth and learning will be around how we stay on track, how we build on leads when we have them like that.

"I suppose the mental toughness side of it – how we can make sure, if we get back in that position with 20 minutes to go on the clock, that we can see it home?"

Dalziel hinted there could be returns for Zander Fagerson - who has been out since April - and Rory Darge against the All Blacks.

"Both of them [made] big strides last week," Dalziel said. "Obviously Zander's been out for a long period of time.

"It's a long time out and I know we all want to see him back as soon as possible and we're hopeful that he'll be back on track but we'll do the right thing with him and see how he is to train tomorrow."

Andrew Petrie
BBC Sport Scotland

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Jamie Dobie is the real deal

The player of the match on the night, putting in a performance that has made fans ask whether he's taken the scrum-half shirt off Ben White.

The realistic answer is 'almost certainly not' but his versatility means he's probably a good shout for the bench against the All Blacks.

Equally as adept on the wing, he does everything a good number nine should do - great service, a good kicking game, an eye for a snipe and the ability to run superb support lines.

Even better, he looks just as good on the wing and that might nudge him above George Horne in the standings.

Liam McConnell is ready for next step

The 21-year-old was instrumental from the get go on his Scotland debut, setting up Duhan van der Merwe with a pass the Harlem Globetrotters would have been proud of.

He made a couple of lung-bursting breaks, but suffered from a touch of white line fever in the second half. Who can blame him?

He's started the season brilliantly at Edinburgh and looks certain to make this his breakthrough year, but can he emulate it for Scotland?

There are plenty of big names ahead of him in the squad - Jamie Ritchie, Matt Fagerson, Andy Onyeama-Christie, Luke Crosbie - but his aggression gives him an edge that others lack.

Duhan van der Merwe has evolved his game

That was the claim that Gregor Townsend made about the big, blonde winger on the occasion of his 50th cap, and the head coach was absolutely spot on.

Although previously lamented for his defensive culpabilities and selfish play, the winger has become far more adept at putting others into space and over the line.

While he wasn't forced to defend all that often, his backfield positioning has also improved and that allows him more time to spot a big prop to run round the outside of.

Under serious pressure from Kyle Steyn for a spot against the All Blacks, he delivered a performance when it was much needed.

We asked for your views on Scotland's 85-0 win over the USA in the autumn Test.

Here's what some of you said:

Mark: Whilst the quality of opposition may not have been great, for 12 out of the 13 tries to be scored by the backs serves as a reminder as to why this fixture attracted 53,000+ fans. We may have not won any major titles but we have been a joy to watch over recent years. Credit to Gregor Townsend and the entire squad!

Garry: Yes, Scotland won easy, but against the USA? Come on. They're going to have a very, very rude awakening next weekend against the All Blacks. Hopefully they watched how the All Blacks tore Ireland apart in the second half of their match. On this showing, Scotland will need to play out of their skins to have any chance at all.

Stuart: A match that tells us precisely nothing in all honesty. Teams can only play what's in front of them and this was an opportunity for some other players to gain caps, however, even they won't have learned much from this experience.

My only real observations from this were Rory Sutherland gave away a stupid, needless penalty when he should know better and Duhan van der Merwe still struggles with defensive positioning which better teams will continue to target.

Simon: Can only beat what's in front of us, and while a win is good for the confidence, the All Blacks will be a totally different game. They are battle-hardened and match sharp and I still have my niggles about our mental strength to win the big games.

David: This was an opportunity for Scotland to give game time to some and experience to others and in that sense it was a valuable exercise. USA were poor and Scotland did well to stick to their plan and to keep some structure. Jamie Dobie must have played his way into selection for next week!

Rosh: A good win but let's not get ahead of ourselves. USA aren't exactly a powerhouse in rugby. The real test is next week against New Zealand.

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The only eyebrow-raising selection in Scotland's autumn squad was Harri Morris and, after his debut, even the Edinburgh hooker admitted he was surprised at the call-up.

Morris, 24, is yet to play a minute of rugby for Edinburgh this season, having come off the bench on four occasions last year.

But that did not deter head coach Gregor Townsend in calling up the back-row convert, who has clearly caught his eye.

"It was definitely a surprise," Morris said after the 85-0 win over the USA. "But I can only thank Gregor [Townsend] for taking a chance on me and believing that I'm good enough to play at this level."

Morris replaced clubmate Paddy Harrison in the second-half, in a game that proved to be Scotland's biggest ever win at Murrayfield.

"The feeling was amazing," he said. "Walking out, it was like nothing I've ever experienced.

"[We were] pretty ruthless. When I got on the second half, the job was quite easy. It was probably done at that point but credit to the boys for playing so well and kept the blocks firing."

And he revealed the message to the players at half-time, when the score was already 45-0, as Scotland continued to put the US to the sword.

"Just to keep the foot in the throat," Morris said. "We want to keep that zero, the nil scoreline, which is a credit to our defence. It was much the same, they were going to come out fighting in the second half.

"I'm sure they got a rocket from their coaches at half-time but credit to us we kept the foot on the throat and the scoreline speaks for itself."

However, the most nerve-wracking part of the day was yet to come for Morris. Making your debut for your country is one thing. Singing in front of your teammates is another.

"Ewan Ashman gave me my tie, and when we go upstairs, I think I've got to sing a song and then get my cap. I'll get thinking about what song to sing but that's what I've got next on the agenda.

"Maybe Robbie Williams, I'll wait and see. I might just go and look up the lyrics!"