Scotland again go in search of a first win over New Zealand as the All Blacks visit Murrayfield in the Nations Championship.
A success against the All Blacks remains elusive for the Scots, but Gregor Townsend’s side have pushed their illustrious opponents close in each of the last four meetings and were left to rue their missed opportunities 12 months ago. With a settled selection led by Sione Tuipulotu and Finn Russell, the hosts will recognise another huge opportunity to produce the sort of statement result they may need ahead of next year’s World Cup.
There is a strong Scottish influence at the heart of the All Blacks. Head coach Dave Rennie spent three years with Glasgow while attacking guru Mike Blair remains Scotland’s most capped scrum half. Together, they have reinvented New Zealand after a tough 2025 – but can they get one over old friends and foes to bolster their hopes of lifting the inaugural trophy in this competition?
Follow all of the latest from the Nations Championship clash with our live blog below:
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Scotland vs New Zealand LIVE
- Scotland host New Zealand in Nations Championship | Live on ITV, kick off 2.10pm GMT
- The All Blacks have never lost to Scotland in 33 previous meetings
- 12' – Two sides trade tries in entertaining start (SCO 7-5 NZL)
- 20' – All Blacks strike twice in quick succession to take lead (SCO 7-17 NZL)
- HT: Scotland 21-24 New Zealand
- 52' – All Blacks surge away against 14-man hosts (SCO 21-36 NZL)
Scotland 21-43 New Zealand, 70 minutes
15:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand have been really, really impressive in this second half with how they’ve adjusted. Their defensive breakdown has been so much better, allowing them to trust their systems on that side of the ball more. Scotland won’t give up hope, but are still one try short of a bonus point, of course, having not registered since the interval.
TRY! Scotland 21-43 NEW ZEALAND (Asafo Aumua, 68 minutes)
15:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat will surely seal it!
Brilliant variety at the lineout from New Zealand. Asafo Aumua’s throw isn’t ideally situated but Tupou Vaa’i reels it in superbly, setting the platform. As it has gone beyond the 15-metre line, Peter Lakai is able to burst back behind it and take the pass, creating an overload down the short side.
Two backs peel around behind Aumua, but Lakai picks the right option of the hooker underneath. Through Aumua, who is some athlete, sprints to surely kill off any hope of a Scotland fightback. Chef’s kiss.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 67 minutes
15:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleGah, frustration for Scotland. It’s a lovely idea in first phase attack with Sione Tuipulotu pulling back right at the line as is his wont, but Tom Jordan’s next pass is just off the mark. Jamie Dobie does well to gather at his shoelaces but Quinn Tupaea forces him into a holding on penalty.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 66 minutes
15:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleYeesh. A nasty, nasty one for the youngest Barrett brother, taking heavy blows to the head from first Blair Kinghorn’s shoulder and then the floor. He appears dazed initially, and will have to go off. Assistant referee Andrea Piardi makes sure that he does.
TMO Olly Hodges quickly clears Barrett of foul play, with his head not making contact with that of Kinghorn. Just a rugby incident, an unfortunate one. The powerful Timoci Tavatavanawai replaces him.
Will Hurd and Gregor Hiddleston come into the Scotland front row as they set a scrum. Zander Fagerson and hat-trick scorer Ewan Ashman take leave.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 65 minutes
15:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut, as he so often does, Jordie Barrett comes up with a huge moment! Sione Tuipulotu ploughs into New Zealand’s centres but is lacking in support, and Barrett feasts on the ruck carrion. A big roar as he is awarded the penalty.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 64 minutes
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleScrum penalty to Scotland! George Bower is pinged for walking around to gain go-forward, rather than shoving straight. A significant moment for Scotland, who kick down towards the 22.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 63 minutes
15:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleA knock-on from Rory Darge on the deck allows Tuipulotu to return. George Horne and Josh Bayliss join Tom Jordan in being introduced. Ben White, Matt Fagerson and...Finn Russell replaced. Interesting. Jordan into No 10? Yep. Blair Kinghorn has been playing there regularly for Toulouse but remains at full-back.
A big call from Gregor Townsend at this juncture. Any late heist will come without their chief safe-cracker.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 62 minutes
15:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleA brilliant high take from Jordie Barrett shows off his remarkably rounded skillset, the centre up like the full-back he was in his youth to claim. Asafo Aumua’s poor pass and Fabian Holland’s knock-on squander the opportunity it should have provided.
Scotland elect to keep the ball in play even with their captain waiting to return.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 60 minutes
15:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleMurrayfield feels a little flat at the moment, though Sione Tuipulotu’s return in a moment will give the home fans a lift. Tom Jordan is stripped and ready alongside him, which may mean the Scotland captain goes to 13 and Jordan into inside centre.
Cortez Ratima is on for Cam Roigard at scrum half for the visitors. Roigard wasn’t quite at his brilliant best today but still had plenty of influence.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 59 minutes
15:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat time Beauden Barrett has touched it. A knock-on from the full-back as he reached behind to try and retrieve a slightly sprayed pass.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 57 minutes
15:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAsafo Aumua is on for Codie Taylor, with Anton Segner also replacing Wallace Sititi in the All Blacks back row. Scotland allow them an easy clearance with a free kick on scrum engagement.
New Zealand are happy enough to belt long and ask the hosts, still down to 14, to play from deep.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 56 minutes
15:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleBoos around Murrayfield...did Beauden Barrett touch that? The full-back had gone up with an outstretched hand...and didn’t make contact! Kyle Steyn fumbled thereafter, and there is no knock-on from Barrett, which removes any prospect of a penalty try and yellow card.
All Steyn had to do was collect and canter in. Barrett had kippered himself having failed to get there, but the All Blacks survive!
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 55 minutes
15:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s excellent from Kyle Steyn, too, hurrying up to intercept an ambitious fling from Cam Roigard to a thicket of white-shirted teammates. Scotland on the offensive after the wing’s pluck, with Gregor Brown and Pierre Schoeman carrying prominently.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 54 minutes
15:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleBlair Kinghorn has come on for Scotland, meanwhile, and covers back quickly to collect a Cam Roigard kick. Good backfield coverage from the full-back.
Scotland 21-36 New Zealand, 53 minutes
15:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleError on error from New Zealand. Finn Russell hooks a kick out on the full.
Rieko Ioane is on for Will Jordan on the wing for the All Blacks. A bit of a surprise to see him introduced so early.
TRY! Scotland 21-36 NEW ZEALAND (Beauden Barrett, 51 minutes)
15:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks waste no time making the man advantage count!
With Sione Tuipulotu out of that midfield, there is space somewhere, and the All Blacks go at it, Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett like a motorcycle rider and his sidecar as they bear down on the defensive line. A flicked pass out the back finds Damian McKenzie roaming into room, with Beauden Barrett on his fly half’s shoulder to finish it off.
That’s his 50th Test try, the second most of any All Black – behind only Will Jordan, who went past Doug Howlett in the summer.
YELLOW CARD! Scotland 21-29 New Zealand, 51 minutes
15:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleIt is an early tackle from Ben White, and Sione Tuipulotu is offside, too – the Scotland captain is off to the bin!
Referee Andrew Brace explains his sanction to Tuipulotu, who pays for his team’s failure to address their discipline. That feels a big moment.
Scotland 21-29 New Zealand, 51 minutes
15:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Scotland could be in a bit of bother here. The ball pops free for Cam Roigard, who sets Wallace Sititi on his way. All Blacks bodies arrives in support and Ben White appears to take one of them out...
Scotland 21-29 New Zealand, 50 minutes
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother missed conversion from the oddly errant Damian McKenzie today – could that be costly? It’s back to a two-score lead regardless. George Bower has come on for Ethan de Groot.
TRY! Scotland 21-29 NEW ZEALAND (Josh Moorby, 49 minutes)
15:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleDelightfully done! All of the focus on the scrum and close-in carriers, and Jordie Barrett finds the space left elsewhere, flicking a gorgeous rainbow off his right hand into the unmarked arms of Josh Moorby.
In slides the left wing with nary a Scottish shirt in sight.
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 47 minutes
15:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother scrum penalty against Scotland, and then an offside against Gregor Brown. Sione Tuipulotu is called into the headmaster’s office.
A final warning for Scotland. Codie Taylor pats his hands together and calls for another scrum skirmish.
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 46 minutes
15:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleZander Fagerson is penalised for collapsing the scrum. Kiwi captain Codie Taylor invites him, and the rest of the Scotland front row, to try again.
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 44 minutes
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll a little bit inaccurate from New Zealand, pushed back 30 metres in all to the halfway line with a few loose passes in amongst things.
That, though, is a fine way to regain the territory – a well weighted box kick that Kyle Rowe takes into touch. Or not, in fact – the bouncing ball had just brushed the touchline. Scotland’s throw...which isn’t straight. As you were. New Zealand take the scrum.
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 42 minutes
15:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland, surprisingly, play away from the maul, but mishandle in midfield. Will Jordan scoops up the loose pieces.
Into a kicking exchange...and Sione Tuipulotu is offside as he chases.
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 41 minutes
15:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleA penalty for an early tackle will grant Scotland an early attacking chance.
Sititi returns before they throw a lineout 15 metres out.
Second half...
15:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand will begin this half still down to 14 men, Wallace Sititi with about 45 seconds to run on his yellow card.
Back underway.
HT: Scotland 21-24 New Zealand
15:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe statistics read just five penalties against New Zealand – two fewer, in fact, than Scotland – but what has been striking is how many other offences have come in sequence. They’ve struggled mightily in their scramble to remain on the right side of the law. In refereeing camp this week, there was a bit of chat among the officials about the difference in style between northern hemisphere and southern hemisphere refs – Andrew Brace has been so, so hot on the defensive players vacating the space to allow their teammates to contest. The All Blacks need to find an answer in the second off or they’ll continue to be whistled off the park.
HT: Scotland 21-24 New Zealand
15:03 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe maul has been their primary route to the tries once in the 22 but Scotland have shown some lovely stuff in attack, with Finn Russell at his best with dextrous, delicate and diverse distribution. Just one scrum in the half, I think, which shows both the high level of skill and how each side has struggled with discipline at times.
A FIRST-HALF HAT-TRICK for EWAN ASHMAN! 🏉🏉🏉
— ITV Rugby (@ITVRugby) November 7, 2026
The hooker goes over AGAIN and Scotland are within touching distance... 🏴 pic.twitter.com/FQ4XgEsUdx
HT: Scotland 21-24 New Zealand
14:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleA belter at Murrayfield, with both Scotland and New Zealand throwing all sorts at one another. The All Blacks looked to have taken control in the first quarter but their discipline since has been poor, failing to adjust to referee Andrew Brace’s tight policing of the tackler at the breakdown. That’s afforded the hosts the territory from which hooker Ewan Ashman has been the chief beneficiary, helping himself to a hat-trick.
Still, despite having spent much of the half down to 14 men, New Zealand lead. Plenty more thrills in store, I’m sure, though.
HALF TIME: Scotland 21-24 New Zealand
14:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 43 minutes
14:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleA madcap end to a thrilling half! Scotland threaten something spectacular, Finn Russell the puppet-master pulling the strings and tossing his teammates into space. Ben White is found but can’t see a route to a colleague with the pass, putting boot to ball.
It’s a canny kick, but Josh Moorby scrambles back in the nick of time to fly-hack the ball out of play and send us to the interval. Phew!
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 41 minutes
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleStaunch defence from Scotland. New Zealand try a few different ideas in the 22 but make negative metres, before eventually conceding a breakdown penalty....
And Finn Russell misses touch! Will Jordan leaps to keep the ball in play and on we go....
Scotland 21-24 New Zealand, 40 minutes
14:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleSloppy! Zander Fagerson concedes a silly, silly penalty for blocking a chaser from the restart. That grants New Zealand’s 14 men a last chance at the end of the half.
TRY! SCOTLAND 21-24 New Zealand (Ewan Ashman, 38 minutes)
14:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleA hat-trick for Ewan Ashman! Another healthy shove at the maul, New Zealand’s under-resourced forward pack this time unable to halt the Scottish swell.
Ashman rides the tide to the line.
Scotland 14-24 New Zealand, 37 minutes
14:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is thrilling stuff. Finn Russell puts Huw Jones into space, a combination seen so many time on this ground before but no less devastating after all those years. A lovely delay from Russell on the pass.
New Zealand infringe, again, with a tackler not rolling away and a teammate contesting in the jackal. Onwards Scotland go. Can Gregor Brown get there? Not quite, held up.
Back for the penalty, and a warning about his team’s discipline for Codie Taylor. Two yellow cards haven’t done the job, clearly, in the eyes of referee Andrew Brace.
Scotland 14-24 New Zealand, 35 minutes
14:48 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd that’s another show of force from the All Blacks. Fletcher Newell gets the better of new man Pierre Schoeman, the replacement Scotland loosehead marmalised at the scrum.
Peter Lakai returns from the sin bin.
Scotland 14-24 New Zealand, 34 minutes
14:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhich makes that a major missed opportunity! The maul comes down in a heap and the officials are happy no All Blacks is to blame. Turnover, their scrum, as their six-man forward unit holds firm!
YELLOW CARD! Scotland 14-24 New Zealand, 33 minutes
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother sin binning for New Zealand! Wallace Sititi is pinged for coming in the side after a frighteningly fearsome carry from Matt Fagerson. Given the ground that Fagerson had made, Andrew Brace deems that cynical – off Sititi is sent for 10 minutes.
Still a minute to run on Peter Lakai’s card, too, as Scotland kick to the corner.
Scotland 14-24 New Zealand, 33 minutes
14:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleWell, we thought it was going to be high-scoring. An early Scotland change, with Pierre Schoeman replacing Rory Sutherland.
TRY! Scotland 14-24 NEW ZEALAND (Beauden Barrett, 31 minutes)
14:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleVintage All Blacks rugby! It’s just patient and potent attacking play, sucking in those bodies with close-in carries and then picking the perfect moment to go wide.
Beauden Barrett has been hitting that sort of line for more than a decade, arriving on to Damian McKenzie’s pass to slide in untouched.
Scotland 14-17 New Zealand, 30 minutes
14:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand keep things tight as they plough some tough furrows around the ruck in the Scotland 22. Fletcher Newell carries with power; so, too, his front five chums.
Scotland 14-17 New Zealand, 29 minutes
14:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland are frustrated not to get an offside penalty in their own 22, but the officials deem that the ball was out when Codie Taylor ventured around the ruck. In the end, he retreated, so no harm done regardless.
A hoisted Matt Fagerson is thrown across the All Blacks lineout, conceding a penalty. The All Blacks slow the tempo, killing some of the clock on that yellow card, which still has more than four minutes to run.
TRY! SCOTLAND 14-17 New Zealand (Ewan Ashman, 26 minutes)
14:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleRespite is temporary! A second for Ewan Ashman!
With that man advantage, Scotland are full of focus and ferocity in their carry, punching New Zealand bodies back. Another advantage is coming as Ben White whisks the ball away to Ashman, who initially seems caught off guard to have it but simply puts his head down and blows Wallace Sititi out of the way.
A corking half, this. Scotland back within three.
Scotland 7-17 New Zealand, 25 minutes
14:37 , Harry Latham-CoyleHeld up! Tupou Vaa’i makes a mess of the Scottish maul but somehow the ball bursts free, and Huw Jones barrels towards the line. Sione Tuipulotu comes in screaming that his centre partner has scored, but Josh Moorby, like Jack Dempsey for Scotland earlier, had got beneath it – last-ditch defence and the All Blacks survive.
Goalline drop out, which is booted up towards halfway, from where Scotland will resume.
YELLOW CARD! Scotland 7-17 New Zealand, 24 minutes
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoylePeter Lakai is sent to the sin bin! Three penalisable offences within a minute in close proximity to the try line from the All Blacks as they cling on desperately in defence, and Lakai pays the price.
Scotland return to the lineout.
Scotland 7-17 New Zealand, 22 minutes
14:33 , Harry Latham-CoyleQuinn Tupaea is displeased with referee Andrew Brace, but he should be unhappy with the New Zealand tackler, with his failure to roll away meaning the centre’s jackal goes unrewarded.
The All Blacks are soon penalised again, this time for offside. Finn Russell sends Scotland towards the corner, looking to reply in kind.
TRY! Scotland 7-17 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor, 20 minutes)
14:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnything you can do...
New Zealand show off their own maul strength. It’s a funky lineout move, plenty of bodies in motion to distract Scotland’s defensive jumpers before Codie Taylor eventually finds a grounded Scott Barrett at the front. The hosts don’t have the bodies there to quell the initial surge, and Taylor sweeps to the back of the rumbling mass to collect his five points.
Damian McKenzie errs from the tee.
Scotland 7-12 New Zealand, 18 minutes
14:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand have shown a desire to play plenty of phases since Dave Rennie and Mike Blair’s arrival, and they’ve dominated the ball in this opening quarter so far. Scotland have made their tackles but not provided much breakdown threat – and a neck roll on their own ball, from Jack Dempsey, is another soft penalty to concede.
Damian McKenzie prods into the left corner.
TRY! Scotland 7-12 NEW ZEALAND (Ethan de Groot, 17 minutes)
14:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd Ethan de Groot punches in! Roigard is stopped short, perhaps by a player who hadn’t quite retreated the requisite 10 metres, but there is no denying the burly loosehead prop as he bursts between two tacklers.
This time the conversion is added.
Scotland 7-5 New Zealand, 16 minutes
14:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut there is the threat New Zealand pose! Deft and delicate handling in the left tramlines and Barrett again kicks ahead, this time drawing a penalty as Scotland seal off in desperation.
Off they go! A quick tap from Cam Roigard...
Scotland 7-5 New Zealand, 15 minutes
14:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe passage reaches an emphatic ending as Will Jordan is picked up and thrown on his back by Ben White, such a strong defensive scrum half.
Jordan manages to offload to Beauden Barrett, who employs his weaker left boot to kick for territory. Scotland reply in kind and New Zealand will go again from a lineout near halfway.
Scotland 7-5 New Zealand, 14 minutes
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand work through an extended spell of phases just inside the Scotland half, playing repeatedly out the back and sideways but not finding much go-forward. Scotland holding their shape well defensively.
Scotland 7-5 New Zealand, 12 minutes
14:23 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand spread to width, sweeping the ball through the hands out to the right to allow Will Jordan to hurry down the touchline. He’s felled just a couple of metres short.
The All Blacks keep continuity, Cam Roigard keeping the fringe defenders honest with a couple of snipes. Closer and closer...held up! Jordan had roamed right the way around from the right wing to the left and looked to go it alone, but there are a couple of bodies beneath him as he crosses. Jack Dempsey is one of them, and Jordan can’t quite get it down. Superb goalline defence.
Scotland 7-5 New Zealand, 10 minutes
14:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’s a bit of discontentment bubbling away about the power of the maul in the game now after World Rugby’s crackdown on players beyond the ball, and that sort of score won’t necessarily quiet that. The All Blacks seemed to have done a good job there, and stalled it for some time, but Scotland played patiently and got their rewards.
A penalty to New Zealand near halfway allows another adventure down towards the fringes of the home 22.
TRY! SCOTLAND 7-5 New Zealand (Ewan Ashman, 8 minutes)
14:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleA prolonged push and finally Scotland get there! A maul that seemed to last an age, with Scotland seemingly going nowhere but not compelled to use it by referee Andrew Brace – allowing them to eventually gain momentum.
Once it sheared away from the bulk of the defensive bodies, there was no stopping it. Ewan Ashman finishes it off, and Finn Russell converts.
Scotland 0-5 New Zealand, 7 minutes
14:17 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’ll steady things a bit. A fabulous 50:22 from Kyle Rowe, drawing Damian McKenzie up out of the backfield with the threat of spreading to width and then threading a low skudder behind him.
Scotland’s lineout, seven metres out.
Scotland 0-5 New Zealand, 6 minutes
14:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat start will massively frustrate Gregor Townsend. A soft penalty conceded to allow a 22 entry, and then an even softer concession of the score.
Finn Russell’s crossfield kick flies out on the full. A shaky start from the Scots on such a big day.
TRY! Scotland 0-5 NEW ZEALAND (Wallace Sititi, 4 minutes)
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll too easy! Wallace Sititi strides in!
No more fitting a scorer than a man literally named after William Wallace owing to his father’s love of Braveheart. Scotland drive too soon at the lineout and grant penalty advantage to New Zealand, which is hardly required with Sititi simply breaking away from the mass of bodies and surging to the line. Damian McKenzie can’t add the extras.
Scotland 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
14:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo men in the Scottish defensive line are offside as they look to impart some linespeed. Sloppy. Damian McKenzie has a brief gander at the uprights but instead punts towards the right corner.
Scotland 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
14:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleA first success in the air for Scotland, the ball knocked back into the hands of Sione Tuipulotu. Expect them to test that New Zealand backfield regularly in that regard today.
A ruck error turns over possession, though, and Jordie Barrett’s kick ahead turns Scotland. Ben White hooks to touch 35 metres out from the Scottish line.
KICK OFF!
14:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleJosh Kerr hands the match ball to referee Andrew Brace, who passes on to Damian McKenzie. A blast of the whistle and off they go!
Scotland vs New Zealand
14:08 , Harry Latham-CoyleTwo stirring anthems, Murrayfield in good voice before falling silent as Codie Taylor launches into the haka. The All Blacks captain marches amongst his men. It’s the traditional Ka Mate rather than Kapo o Pango, but the challenge is most certainly laid down.
Scotland vs New Zealand
14:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleMurrayfield applauds as one in the memory of the recently-passed All Blacks security chief Logan Cadwallader, and the former Scotland fly half Ally Donaldson, a vital figure in the development of so many of the country’s best players, who died at the end of September.
Scotland vs New Zealand
13:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleBroad smiles on the faces of plenty of the Scottish squad as they follow the All Blacks out of the tunnel, a gold trim on their American-style anthem jackets. Is this a day of history? Finn Russell has a few notes scribbled on the back of his left hand.
Scotland vs New Zealand
13:58 , Harry Latham-CoyleJosh Kerr will deliver the match ball in a little while, the middle-distance runner having shattered the mile record earlier in the year. Brother Jake, a hooker, won one Scotland cap back in 2019 – a talented family.
It’s said that the younger Kerr brother was a pretty talented full-back in his schoolboy days, too. Long strides, I’m sure.
Scotland vs New Zealand match officials
13:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Andrew Brace (Ire)
ARs: Andrea Piardi (Ita) & Jordan Way (Aus)
TMO: Olly Hodges (Ire)
FPRO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SA)
A point to prove?
13:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleScott Barrett was quite open this week in admitting that he had fallen short of some of the exacting work-rate standards the All Blacks now demand having made his return from a long lay-off with a back injury last month. This can’t have been an easy year for the lock, losing the New Zealand captaincy after Scott Robertson’s departure and then missing a huge chunk of consequential action after surgery on that issue. He adds so much in terms of mongrel, muscle and experience to the tight five, though – and may just be a little fresher than some in the squad this November, which could be crucial.
Can Scotland slow New Zealand?
13:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleI thought the violence and venom of the All Blacks’ attacking play was striking against Australia, with their carry and cleanout consistently creating clean ball with which to unleash their varied multi-phase game. It feels a must for Scotland to slow them, somehow. Rory Darge has been in outstanding form for Glasgow and will be a key breakdown threat.
Sione Tuipulotu explains key for Scotland to achieve history
13:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleScotland captain Sione Tuipulotu senses the team that can stay “tougher for longer” will emerge victorious. Scotland looked like they might claim a first win over the All Blacks last year after fighting back from 17-0 down to level, only to lose it to a late try.
Gregor Townsend’s team have since beaten the likes of England and France in Edinburgh and Tuipulotu feels they have progressed.
“We’ve been through a lot in the last 12 months, as coaching staff, as a playing group and as a team together,” the Glasgow centre said.
“We’ve had to support each other, been through some losses that we’ve had to pick each other up, and we’ve also been out there with some landmark victories.
“I do feel like we’ve progressed a lot in the last 12 months and it’s been the experiences that have allowed us to progress, playing in Pretoria against the world champions, having those type of experiences that as a team we haven’t really been exposed to a lot, at least for as long as I’ve been playing for Scotland.
“We learned a lot about finishing off games and we carry a lot of disappointment from that game just because we had come back from 17 points down and really wrestled back momentum to the point where it was pretty overwhelming. It gives us confidence that we can create a game that can overwhelm the All Blacks at times, but obviously we didn’t do enough and I hope that over the last 12 months the experiences that we’ve had against other top teams put us in good stead for the last 15 minutes.”
Team news – New Zealand
13:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks are boosted by the return from injury of Jordie Barrett at inside centre, with the youngest Barrett brother joining siblings Scott and Beauden in the starting side. Codie Taylor continues to lead the team with Ardie Savea sidelined, and Tupou Vaa’i’s long limbs are again favoured on the blindside.
Christian Lio-Willie is set for his first appearance under Dave Rennie from the bench having been brought in to the squad after a strong NPC campaign with Otago.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor (capt.), 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Scott Barrett, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Wallace Sititi; 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Damian McKenzie; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Christian Lio-Willie, 20 Anton Segner; 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Rieko Ioane.
Team news – Scotland
13:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend springs something of a surprise at full-back, where Kyle Rowe is preferred to Tom Jordan and Blair Kinghorn as the Scotland head coach draws on a strong Glasgow connection through his squad. 10 of the starting 15 play for the Warriors, while No 8 Jack Dempsey represented the club until this summer before his move to Japan.
It is a familiar looking selection otherwise with Huw Jones alongside captain Sione Tuipulotu in midfield, though Rory Sutherland gets a start ahead of Pierre Schoeman at loosehead. Young hooker Gregor Hiddleston makes the bench after a summer debut.
Scotland XV: 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson; 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings; 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey; 9 Ben White, 10 Finn Russell; 11 Jamie Dobie, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 13 Huw Jones, 14 Kyle Steyn; 15 Kyle Rowe.
Replacements: 16 Gregor Hiddleston, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 Will Hurd, 19 Max Williamson, 20 Josh Bayliss; 21 George Horne, 22 Tom Jordan, 23 Blair Kinghorn.
Key refereeing changes explained as rugby’s Nations Championship returns
13:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleWant to know what the referees will be focussing on this November? I spent Monday in camp with the World Rugby officiating team for a fascinating look behind the scenes at how they prepare, and their points of emphasis as the Nations Championship returns.
Key refereeing changes explained as rugby’s Nations Championship returns
Top rugby nations to overhaul TV rights in bid to grow revenue
12:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere was intriguing news, meanwhile, this week with 10 of the world’s leading nations joining forces to try and grow the commercial profile of this competition and the sport at large. Where does that leave the rest? It’s slightly unclear, but top administrators believe this is a necessary step.
Top rugby nations to overhaul TV rights in bid to grow revenue
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
12:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand are dealing with a uniquely challenging year, with the Nations Championship alongside the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour and Bledisloe Cup clashes to create a demanding itinerary of international action. What impact might fatigue play across November? Here’s how you can follow every fixture.
Nations Championship schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch
A difficult week for New Zealand
12:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll of our thoughts are with the family, friends and colleagues of the All Blacks’ security chief Logan Cadwallader, who passed away suddenly in Edinburgh shortly after the New Zealand squad arrived in Scotland last weekend. Incredibly popular within the group, Dave Rennie’s side have promised to play in Cadwallader’s memory today.
“Logan has been a big part of the All Blacks family for a long time. He was the ultimate team man, loved and trusted by all and a true professional,” Rennie said. “He looked after all of us, players and staff, and he was a good mate to many in this team. We are all devastated. Our thoughts are with his wife, Nannette, his children, Trey, Brooke and Mia, and his wider family and friends. As a team, we will honour Logan and the legacy he has left on the All Blacks.” Desperate news.
Gregor Townsend to channel past near misses against New Zealand
12:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleGregor Townsend believes experience can help his Scotland side as they attempt to break their duck against New Zealand.
Scotland have never beaten the All Blacks in 33 previous meetings but have given them some challenging games in recent years and Townsend is banking on those near misses helping his players when the teams meet today.
The last four encounters have been settled by eight points or fewer and Scotland fought back from losing the first 17 points last year to level the scores and look the likelier winners until Damian McKenzie scored late on for the visitors.
Winger Kyle Rowe and second-row forward Gregor Brown are the only two players in Townsend’s starting line-up with less than 20 caps but both will hit that milestone on Saturday.
Townsend said: “A lot of people in sport know the All Blacks is the iconic rugby team. But our players have played against them, so that will help.
“It helps again that we will play at Murrayfield. The atmospheres in this game in recent years have been amazing. Sometimes for different reasons, with Doddie (Weir) being at the game in 2017 with his family.
“But I also think with the way the two teams play, it sets it up for open rugby, and I think our supporters appreciate when the All Blacks come, but I also think they appreciate how we play against them too.”
A Scottish influence has transformed New Zealand – but can the Scots finally beat the All Blacks?
12:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleIn Dave Rennie and Mike Blair, New Zealand have a coaching ticket forged in Scotland. Together, the former Glasgow coach and Scotland captain have transformed the All Blacks – but is their side the one to finally be beaten by their hosts?
Scottish influence has transformed New Zealand – but can the Scots finally beat them?
Scotland vs New Zealand LIVE
06:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Nations Championship rolls on with perhaps the pick of the fixtures in this round this afternoon at Murrayfield. Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in 33 previous attempts stretching back more than a century, but hopes are high that they can again test the All Blacks have pushed them close last year.
Is this the day history is made? Kick off in Edinburgh is at 2.10pm GMT.
