Scotland name full-strength side for Nations Championship clash with New Zealand

Scotland named a full-strength side for Saturday’s Nations Championship encounter against the New Zealand All Blacks at Murrayfield, kickoff set for 2.10pm The Irish Times. Gregor Townsend’s side enters the fixture bidding for a first-ever victory over New Zealand, backed by a strong selection that includes returning British and Irish Lions duo Huw Jones and Blair Kinghorn Planet Rugby.

New Zealand holds an unbeaten record of 33 past Tests against Scotland, consisting of 31 wins and two draws The Irish Times. A win for Scotland could also see them climb to the top of the Nations Championship Northern Hemisphere pool following a run of two wins from three matches back in July Planet Rugby.

Squad Selections and Lineups

Scotland’s matchday squad features an all-Glasgow Warriors back-three with Kyle Rowe at full-back alongside wingers Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie, while Finn Russell and Ben White start in the half-back positions Planet Rugby. Jones returns to partner captain Sione Tuipulotu in the midfield Planet Rugby. The forward pack features Rory Sutherland, Ewan Ashman, Zander Fagerson, Gregor Brown, Scott Cummings, Matt Fagerson, Rory Darge, and Jack Dempsey Planet Rugby. Townsend has named Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, George Horne, Tom Jordan, and Kinghorn as replacements Planet Rugby.

The All Blacks made two changes to their starting lineup following their Bledisloe Cup match against Australia, with Ethan de Groot returning to the front-row at loosehead and Jordie Barrett returning from injury at centre Sky Sports. New Zealand’s starting XV is completed by Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Josh Moorby, Damian McKenzie, Cam Roigard, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell, Scott Barrett, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Peter Lakai, and Wallace Sititi Sky Sports.

Andrew Brace Officiates Murrayfield Clash During November Fixtures

The fixture at Murrayfield is officiated by referee Andrew Brace from the IRFU, with assistant referees Andrea Piardi and Jordan Way, TMO Olly Hodges, and FPRO Marius van der Westhuizen Planet Rugby. The game forms part of the November fixtures for the Nations Championship, which also includes matches between Italy and South Africa, Wales and Japan, France and Fiji, and England and Australia.

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