Comments on: Autumn Internationals 2014: New Zealand team to play Scotland

By: Pablito

Pablito — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:12:48 +0000

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!

By: Niall

Niall — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:11:29 +0000

indeed, 721 caps in squad v USA, 621 v Scotland (and some of them have now played 2 games more!)

By: Mike

Mike — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 10:06:27 +0000

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.

By: Dazza

Dazza — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:47:42 +0000

I really hope Scotland beat them. This seems like a bit of an insult to me, and I’m not Scottish!

By: Jamie

Jamie — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:33:58 +0000

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.

By: Henry

Henry — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:31:56 +0000

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…

By: Niall

Niall — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:29:40 +0000

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!

By: Geat

Geat — Thu, 13 Nov 2014 09:21:27 +0000

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.