Scottish Rugby

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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!"

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Scotland's 85-0 rout of the USA was the biggest ever win at Murrayfield in 100 years of history at the ground, and their third-biggest win of all-time.

Our pundits were suitably impressed, even if the quality of the opposition was lacking at times.

Former Sevens star Colin Gregor:

"Scotland were excellent. The USA didn't offer a huge amount, but Scotland will be delighted to concede no points. There were many strong passages of play. They executed most of the line breaks they created.

"Some of the guys stepped up to Test match rugby and gave a very good account of themselves individually, but more importantly as a team.

"In those sort of games, it's easy to go off script and be the hero. Scotland stuck together."

Ex-Scotland prop Peter Wright:

"I thought [Dobie] was outstanding, he managed the game really well at nine. He runs those cheat lines, brings everybody into the game, his skillset is good, his kicking game is decent.

"And you put him on the wing and he's international class as well. He does it whoever he plays against. He's got a lot of rugby in him.

"He's got pace, he understands the game."

Our chief sports writer Tom English was similarly enthused by the Scottish performance:

"The scoreline of 85-0 was a fair reflection of the game. I felt sorry for America coming into it, I felt really, really sorry for them at half-time and really, really, really sorry for them now.

"They've been pulverised, and they'll get no joy out of this.

"Scotland get a bit of confidence from this. A few people have put their hands up for the 23 next week against New Zealand, Jamie Dobie being one of them. I'm torn whether to put him in the starting team or stick with Ben White!

"They made a poor team look poor, and they can't do any more than that."

Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie both scored hat-tricks as Scotland dismantled the United States in a one-sided autumn Test to record their biggest win in Murrayfield's 100-year history.

Read the full match report here.

Have your say here.

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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend told BBC Scotland: "Straight away, the players were very cohesive which is hard to achieve in a week's training, with a brand new team, but it just shows you the togetherness this group has, but also how hard they worked this week.

"We asked for effort and physicality and we got that for most of the game, clearing the ball in contact, but also when we had to defend. We were aggressive, and disciplined in the main.

"The players really worked hard for each other. It's great there was such a big crowd tonight, and they got to see our strengths. We've obviously got a few very talented guys in our team.

"We've got reference points that we lean into - Wales in March, when we were 35-7 up. We talked about that at half-time.

"Just do your jobs. There will be period when the opposition come back at you. They'll be fired up and more aggressive, but we have to make sure we're clear in contact, there in support.

"There'll be times when the game isn't as fluid, but I was really pleased with the last 10 minutes. If we can have that first 10 minutes and last 10 minutes next week, we'll be in a good place. We know next week will be a much bigger challenge and the team will be much-changed too.

"And a little more from Gregor Townsend: "What a game [Liam McConnell had]. He played with confidence, he was aggressive in defence which is what we expected. His ability in attack to put others into space...

"As a set-piece six too, he put pressure on the line-out and got a couple of good steals in there. A pretty good debut, and the same for Harri Morris. He nailed his line out throws and just did his job.

"It's really good for the future that players can come into our squad and not just contribute but stand out in their performances.

"It's a huge match [next week]. This game has been sold out for a while. Everyone loves watching the All Blacks.

"We've had two cracking matches against them, but not delivered that winning performance.

"All these experiences, today included, have to be put into an 80-minute performance. The players can take confidence from how well they've trained this week.

"We have to build that cohesion pretty quickly. There's no reason why we can't. The guys will be up for it and have the belief they can do it."

BBC Sport Scotland rugby reporter Andy Burke has been answering some of your questions as Scotland prepare to begin the four-match Autumn Nations Series against USA on Saturday.

Graeme asked: Cameron Redpath had another great performance for Bath, why do you think he has not been included in the Autumn Test squad? Who will Gregor Townsend opt for in place of the injured Huw Jones? Rory Hutchinson?

Andy answered: I watched Bath's victory over Bristol and while the eye was drawn to Finn Russell, who looks razor sharp heading into the November Tests, I thought Redpath was very impressive.

He can count himself unfortunate to miss out on the Scotland squad. He has been unlucky in the past when injuries have hampered his chances of really staking a claim in a blue jersey, and that has allowed others to move ahead of him in the pecking order.

Sione Tuipulotu is the captain and nailed-on starter in the 12 jersey, so with Jones missing the question is who starts outside him in the midfield?

Hutchinson is in with a very decent shout. Despite being a standout in the Northampton team for a long time, Townsend has never seemed truly convinced by him.

However, I know Townsend has been impressed with the improvements in Hutchinson's defensive game, and the prospect of utilising two creative ball players in Russell and Hutchinson either side of Tuipulotu could be a tantalising one.

Liam asked: Age old questions, how many wins is seen as good? And can we do it against the All Blacks?

Andy answered: If Scotland can cast aside the history and psychological baggage that comes with their winless record against New Zealand, I see no reason why, if they hit their straps, they can't secure that first-ever victory against the All Blacks.

That's easier said than done, of course, and one only has to look at Scotland's recent struggles against Ireland to see how the longer a winless run goes against a certain team, the harder it is to break the cycle.

If Scotland really are to become the team we all hope, the team that can truly challenge for, and even win, a Six Nations title, they have to be targeting four wins from four.

Taking down the big beasts, rather than merely running them close, has to be the ambition.