Scotland makes five changes for All Blacks Test
Scotland has made five changes from the team that defeated Argentina 9-13 for the Test against New Zealand at Murrayfield Stadium on Saturday 13 November.
Mike Blair comes into the team to replace scrum-half Rory Lawson. Blair will captain Scotland for the 14th time in the absence of injured second row Alastair Kellock, who is replaced by Richie Gray. Gloucester’s Lawson will consider himself unlucky
to find he is on the bench after the tour of Argentina.
Rory Lamont comes into the team to replace Simon Danielli who was injured in Ulster’s Heineken Cup match with Biarritz.
British and Irish Lion, Euan Murray returns to the team as the tight-head prop ahead of Moray Low, while Glasgow forward Richie Vernon comes in for the dynamic Johnnie Beattie.
Scotland will be confident they can continue their fine form and will hope that a result against the All Blacks will mean they are unbeaten in five games.
In the Six Nations, Scotland drew 15-15 with England before producing a 20-23 win against Ireland, which was hoping to claim a Triple Crown.
The Scottish revival was backed by their successful tour of Argentina with a 0-2 series win. The Scots won the first Test 16-24 and recorded a 9-13 win in the second.
Scotland coach Andy Robinson believes his team must produce their best display of the season if they are to beat New Zealand.
"It is imperative that we front up from the first whistle against the All Blacks on Saturday and play the game at a tempo where we can unveil our skills and show our discipline," said Robinson during a Scottish press conference.
New Zealand defeated England 16-26 in their opening game of the Autumn Internationals and will expect to improve on their performance after England rallies in the second half.
The All Blacks will go into the Test as the overwhelming favourites.
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