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Rugby’s Autumn International: Preview: All Blacks v/s Scotland

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Rugby’s Autumn International: Preview: All Blacks v/s Scotland
Scotland starts its autumn season with a game against the world’s top rugby side, New Zealand, this Saturday. Scotland has never won a Test match against the All Blacks in their 105-year history in the game.
But this time, Scottish Winger Rory Lamont, is hopeful that they have the team that can turn around that dismal record and give the Scots their first-ever Test victory over New Zealand. Lamont added that although New Zealand is the best team on the planet,
they are not unbeatable.
"We have improved a lot. We know that New Zealand are an unbelievably talented team, the best team in the world, so we know we are up against it, but we still have to believe that if we perform to the best of our ability then we can compete."
Saturday’s match will be Lamont’s his first match against the All Blacks, but he says he is not intimidated by the occasion and is looking forward to the game. Lamont has also played down the hype surrounding New Zealand’s emerging star and his club team-mate
Sonny Bill Williams – suggesting he would take time to settle at the international level.
The winger said that his team would not focus on any one player in particular because New Zealand has 15 equally dangerous players on the pitch. He maintained that the key to winning would be to play quick, attacking rugby and staying positive.
New Zealand too seems to be taking Scotland seriously on this occasion. Instead of wringing in the changes, the All Blacks have announced a full strength team with many star players including Richie McCaw and Dan Carter yesterday, for the match. The reason
behind the selection seems to be a part of the preparation for next year’s world cup.
Keven Mealamu, who is facing a four-week ban after clashing with England captain Lewis Moody last Saturday’s match at Twickenham, has also been selected in the All Blacks’ squad. New Zealand has registered an appeal against his ban. His appeal will be heard
by a panel picked by the International Rugby Board on Friday. His inclusion in the team will depend on the results of this hearing.
New Zealand leads the head to head encounters against Scotland 25-0, with two matches drawn. New Zealand’s biggest win over Scotland is by a 69-20 margin in 2000.
After last week’s convincing victory over England, New Zealand are looking positive for the game against Scotland and want to carry their good form into the remaining games of the season.
Autumn internationals:
Scotland v New Zealand

 
Venue: Murray field Stadium, Edinburgh   Date: Saturday, 13 November
Teams
Scotland (15-1) :Hugo Southwell; Rory Lamont, Max Evans, Graeme Morrison, Sean Lamont; Dan Parks, Mike Blair (capt); Richie Vernon, John Barclay, Kelly Brown; Jim Hamilton, Richie Gray; Euan Murray, Ross Ford, Allan Jacobsen
Replacements: Scott Lawson, Alasdair Dickinson, Nathan Hines, Ross Rennie, Rory Lawson, Ruaridh Jackson, Nikki Walker
New Zealand (15-1):Mils Muliaina; Isaia Toeava, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Hosea Gear; Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam; Samuel Whitelock, Brad Thorn; Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu/Hikawera
Elliot, Tony Woodcock
Replacements: Andrew h**e, John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Daniel Braid, Andy Ellis, Stephen Donald, Ma'a Nonu
 

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