Could this be Scotland’s date of destiny? It is 120 years since the hosts first took on New Zealand and still they have never beaten the All Blacks, who they welcome to Murrayfield this afternoon.
Gregor Townsend’s side have run New Zealand close over the last few years but are yet to break their hoodoo in this fixture, left to count their missteps and misfortune in a narrow defeat in 2017 particularly. Their infrequent meetings have generally proved highly competitive, though, and after an encouraging 85-0 drubbing of an overmatched USA kicked off their November campaign, Townsend is able to welcome back Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn and co for a tilt at Scottish rugby history.
Reports of the All Blacks’ demise may, however, have been exaggerated. A vintage side to compare with those of yesteryear it may not be but a win over Ireland in Chicago last week showed some of the strength in depth still at Scott Robertson’s disposal, even if they did not unlock their full attacking game. They will take some beating — but maybe, just maybe, this might be Scotland’s day…
Follow all of the latest from Murrayfield with our live blog below:
No Scott Barrett for New Zealand
There’s no Scott Barrett for New Zealand today after a laceration to the leg of the All Blacks skipper in Chicago last week. We wait and see if he will be fit for the England game in seven days’ time — but it was confirmed this week that the Crusaders lock will miss most of the next Super Rugby season on a non-playing sabbatical as his workload is managed.
Scotland vs New Zealand
It really is an unwelcome record for Scotland – 32 matches, two draws, 30 defeats. But Gregor Townsend’s squad have made plenty of history over the last few years, ending long losing runs at Twickenham, in Paris and elsewhere – and there is genuine belief they can finally crack the All Blacks.
Scotland vs New Zealand live
They couldn’t, could they? It is 120 years since Scotland first took on New Zealand in an international rugby match and still victory over the All Blacks eludes them, but having run them close in recent years, hopes are high that this could be a famous, history-making Murrayfield day.
Kick off in Edinburgh is at 3.10pm GMT.
