Steve Hansen has made 13 changes to the New Zealand team for this weekend’s game with Scotland, from the one that beat England at Twickenham last time out.
Blues hooker James Parsons, only called up as injury cover recently, makes his debut in the starting XV alongside Joe Moody and Charlie Faumuina in the front row, while Jeremy Thrush and Dominic Bird – another late call-up – are in the engine room.
Richie McCaw captains from the blindside and is joined by Sam Cane and Victor Vito in the back row. TJ Perenara partners Dan Carter, making his 102nd appearance, at half-back, while Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa are the centres. Colin Slade and Charles Piutau line up on the wings, with Ben Smith at fullback.
New Zealand team to play Scotland:
15 Ben Smith, 14 Colin Slade, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Dan Carter, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Victor Vito, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Richie McCaw (c), 5 Dominic Bird, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 Charlie Faumuina, 2 James Parsons, 1 Joe Moody
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Augustine Pulu, 22 Sonny Bill Williams, 23 Julian Savea
Date: Saturday, November 15
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kickoff: 17:30 local (GMT)
Referee: Romain Poite (France)
This side does have a bit of an experimental feel about it, I hope NZ haven’t underestimated Glasg… sorry, Scotland – who are in a pretty buoyant mood at the moment.
I absolutely hope they have underestimated them! It’d make for a much more entertaining test match. Does seem odd that they’re showing Scotland less respect than USA.
indeed, 721 caps in squad v USA, 621 v Scotland (and some of them have now played 2 games more!)
After some of the players coming out during the week saying they have to respect us, this is a bit of a smack in the face! Bench is still pretty strong though!
Word on twitter is same Scotland XV, but three changes on bench. my guess for two of those changes, Cusiter and Swinson for Pyrgos and Hamilton. Not sure on the third!
Only NZ could make 13 changes and still put out as potent a team as that… Back line still looks terrifying (even with Slade slightly out of position on the wing) – Smith I think is actually a better fullback at the moment than Dagg, plus Carter back in. He will be desperate to show he is not past his best. Still a world class back row there as well.
Tight 5 though are there for the taking- if Gray x2 and the front row can get the upper hand this is far from a given result. But Scotland would have to be out of sight by 60 mins. That is the definition of ‘impact bench’ that NZ have.
Not holding my breath but would love a shock…
I really hope Scotland beat them. This seems like a bit of an insult to me, and I’m not Scottish!
Agree with Henry. Really odd looking selection, but (Slade aside) that is a pretty classy back line. Still surprised that Piutau has not had more game time. Must be pretty close between him and Jane at the moment. Also surprised that Fekitoa is 13 and Crotty 12. I would expect them to be the other way round.
Opportunity for Scotland in the front five and that there is less experience of playing together in this team.
Kiwi front 5 aren’t all that as you say Henry. Scots could get the upper hand there.
NZ back row is pretty strong mind! If it weren’t for Kaino being in such excellent form, I think we’d see McCaw playing more and more on the blindside as Cane is a seriously good prospect at openside
Not sure about Slade on the wing, bit of a surprise that one. And the centres are not too experienced (although talented).
There’s definitely some chinks for the Scots to exploit there and it is a bit cheeky as I can’t imagine the Kiwis would put out a similar team against Aus, SA, Fra, Wales, Ire or Eng.
Slim chance as it may be. I would love to see the Scots cause an upset here!