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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has named captain Sione Tuipulotu and fly-half Finn Russell in his starting XV for Saturday’s Test match against New Zealand. The Scots are aiming to secure their first-ever victory over the All Blacks in what will be the 34th meeting between the two nations.
A New Challenge
Townsend described the upcoming match as a significant challenge, noting that the current New Zealand side is playing a more ambitious style of rugby. “They’re playing some excellent rugby right now and it’s our first game of the season, which is always the toughest challenge for us too,” Townsend told BBC Sport. He added that the team is cohesive and well-prepared following a busy summer of Test matches, requiring Scotland to remain competitive throughout the game to secure a win.
The Scotland lineup features several changes from the team that defeated Fiji in July. In the backs, Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Ben White, and Jamie Dobie return to the starting side. In the forwards, Rory Sutherland is the only player retained from the Fiji match, with Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson, Matt Fagerson, Scott Cummings, Jack Dempsey, and vice-captain Rory Darge all entering the starting pack.
The All Blacks Perspective
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie, who previously coached Glasgow Warriors, acknowledged the tactical similarities between the two teams. “Obviously, I know a fair bit about their coaches and about the players,” Rennie said. He noted that recent encounters between the sides have been closely contested, referencing New Zealand’s 25-17 victory last year as evidence of the quality Scotland possesses.
Rennie also praised former Scotland scrum-half Mike Blair, who is currently serving on the All Blacks coaching staff. Rennie highlighted Blair’s innovative approach to decision-making and his positive impact on the squad, stating that his influence is visible during training and matches.
Match Line-ups
Scotland: Kyle Rowe, Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Sione Tuipulotu (capt), Jamie Dobie, Finn Russell, Ben White; Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson, Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Baylish, George Horne, Tom Jordan, Blair Kinghorn.
New Zealand: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard; Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor (capt), Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane.
Saturday’s fixture marks the beginning of a four-match series for Scotland, with upcoming games against Australia and Japan scheduled for later this month.
