Scotland will attempt to claim their first-ever win over New Zealand as they host the All Blacks at Murrayfield this Saturday, 7 November. The match kicks off at 2.10pm GMT, with ITV1 broadcasting live coverage from 1.40pm.
The last four encounters between Scotland and New Zealand have been tightly contested, each decided by eight points or fewer. Scotland pushed hard in their 2025 meeting, rallying to level the score in the second half before a late try from Damian McKenzie sealed a narrow All Blacks victory. Scotland’s continued near misses underline the challenge they face in overcoming a team that has dominated international rugby for decades.
The All Blacks arrive under the guidance of new head coach Dave Rennie, who returned to the role after a stint managing Glasgow Warriors. Former Scotland scrum half Mike Blair is involved in coaching the New Zealand attack and will bring firsthand insight into Scotland’s style as he plots his former team’s downfall.
Gregor Townsend’s Scotland side shows a strong Glasgow connection, with 10 of the starting 15 players currently at the Warriors. Kyle Rowe earns a surprise start at full-back, edging out Tom Jordan and Blair Kinghorn. The midfield pairs captain Sione Tuipulotu with Huw Jones, while Rory Sutherland starts at loosehead prop ahead of Pierre Schoeman. Young hooker Gregor Hiddleston, who debuted in the summer, is named on the bench.
Scotland’s starting XV is: Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson; Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings; Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, Jack Dempsey; Ben White, Finn Russell; Jamie Dobie, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones, Kyle Steyn; Kyle Rowe. The replacements include Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, George Horne, Tom Jordan, and Blair Kinghorn.
New Zealand’s squad benefits from the return of Jordie Barrett at inside centre. Jordie joins his brothers Scott and Beauden Barrett in the starting lineup. Codie Taylor continues as captain in the absence of Ardie Savea, who is sidelined. Tupou Vaa’i starts on the blindside, bringing his imposing frame to the pack. Christian Lio-Willie, recently added to the squad after an impressive NPC campaign with Otago, is set to make his first appearance under Rennie off the bench.
The All Blacks starting lineup is Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell; Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland; Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi; Cam Roigard, Damian McKenzie; Josh Moorby, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan; Beauden Barrett. Their replacements include Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Rieko Ioane.
Scotland’s recent performances against the All Blacks suggest they are closing the gap, but New Zealand’s experience and talent remain formidable. With Townsend’s trust in his Glasgow players and Rennie’s intimate knowledge of Scottish rugby, the match promises to be a tactical battle as well as a physical contest.
The game is set to unfold under the watchful eyes of fans at Murrayfield and viewers across the UK, who can follow every moment live on ITV and ITVX. Scotland’s pursuit of a breakthrough victory continues, while New Zealand aims to maintain their dominance and extend their winning run.
According to Yahoo Sports.
