All Blacks vs Scotland Nations Championship test at Murrayfield, Digi Mart USA News (Edinburgh, Scotland): The All Blacks and Scotland meet at Murrayfield in a Nations Championship test that New Zealand fans are being urged to approach with greater respect for the home side. The All Blacks have an unbeaten record against Scotland spanning 121 years, but the publisher argues that Kiwis are often too quick to dismiss Scotland’s genuine threat.
The article notes that the current Scottish side is far removed from the teams the All Blacks beat heavily in 1996, 2000, 2007 and 2012. In three of the past four tests between the sides at Murrayfield over the last 12 years, the margin was eight points, with the other decided by five.
Scotland have recorded three Six Nations wins this year, including a 50-point performance against a full-strength France at Murrayfield and a victory over England that preserved an unbeaten home record this season. In July, Scotland pushed South Africa in South Africa and defeated Argentina in Argentina, sitting second behind France in the northern hemisphere Nations Championship table.
The publisher says questions remain about Scotland’s ability to deliver consistent performances and to finish games decisively. Still, the Scottish backline, including Finn Russell, Sione Tuipulotu, Huw Jones and Kyle Steyn, is described as capable of scoring points quickly.
The All Blacks are described as in a much better position than a year ago, when the previous coaching regime collapsed. Nine players are ruled out for the season, but the team’s attacking form and physical demands at the breakdown are cited as signs of improvement.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend said the All Blacks are playing more ambitious rugby and show a real sense of unity.
The article also highlights the Glasgow connections in the Scotland squad. Five of Scotland’s starting players do not play for Glasgow Warriors, and three of those five previously played for Glasgow.
Three more Glasgow figures are on the bench. Former Glasgow coaches Dave Rennie and Mike Blair are noted for their inside knowledge of Scottish rugby, and Rennie spoke of his three years at Glasgow.
The match is also taking place under a sombre cloud. Logan Cadwallader, the All Blacks’ head of security and a former Special Air Service soldier, died suddenly last Sunday in Edinburgh.
He had been with the All Blacks for a decade. The team will wear black armbands in his honour against Scotland.
Rennie said the squad had been hit hard by the loss and that Cadwallader’s brother Dwayne and best mate Nathan had joined the squad this week.
