Dave Rennie has promised an all-out All Blacks performance when New Zealand face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The New Zealand coach has selected his strongest available lineup for a potentially explosive Nations Championship encounter against Gregor Townsend’s side.
Beauden, Jordie and Scott Barrett all start, with the three brothers bringing more than 320 Test caps of experience to the XV.
Damian McKenzie also returns at fly-half. He scored the dramatic late try that denied Scotland in Edinburgh last year, while Rieko Ioane is among the replacements.
The starting lineup also features prolific wing Will Jordan, who has scored 56 tries in 63 Tests, and hooker Codie Taylor, who will captain New Zealand in his 115th international appearance.
Former Glasgow Warriors head coach Rennie has named a full-strength team for a fixture that could again go down to the wire. The All Blacks edged Scotland 25-17 12 months ago, but Rennie has urged his players to start aggressively and silence a sell-out Murrayfield crowd as early as possible.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has selected a powerful lineup for Saturday’s meeting with Scotland
New Zealand assistant coach Mike Blair brings extensive knowledge of Scotland’s strengths
‘Scotland are a quality team, they are very well-coached and have developed considerable depth in recent years,’ Rennie said. ‘They play a style of rugby that is very similar to ours, and we know we will need to be at our best this weekend.
‘I know a fair amount about several of their coaches and players, and they have been outstanding at Murrayfield. The last four meetings between the All Blacks and Scotland have all been tightly contested. Last year, the boys managed to find a way to win it at the death.
‘We are under no illusions about the quality of this Scotland team or the level of performance required to beat them.
‘Murrayfield is an iconic rugby venue, so opening our northern tour there will make it a special occasion. Scotland are extremely confident at home and will have plenty of belief, but we have to trust our own game.
‘Our task is to apply as much pressure as possible and remove the crowd’s influence.’
Rennie took over as New Zealand head coach earlier this year and has guided the All Blacks to 10 victories in 13 matches. Their only losses have come against reigning world champions South Africa.
New Zealand have appeared rejuvenated in recent months, returning to a more expansive and free-flowing style of rugby.
A key figure in that development has been Mike Blair, the former Scotland captain and Edinburgh head coach who now serves as one of Rennie’s most trusted assistants in his role as attack coach.
‘Mike is a top man, and there is a reason I brought him to New Zealand,’ Rennie said. ‘He has an excellent understanding of the game.
The All Blacks prepare in the Scottish capital for Saturday’s Nations Championship fixture
‘He has a real ability to break down the small details of decision-making, and he is highly innovative in the way he delivers that information, whether in meetings or out on the training field.
‘He has been excellent and has also made a significant impression on the players. You can see the results of that work on the field.’
The All Blacks have endured a difficult week following the sudden death of their security chief, Logan Cadwallader, at the team hotel in Edinburgh last weekend.
New Zealand will wear an alternative strip on Saturday, featuring white jerseys, a poppy and black armbands as a tribute.
‘It has been an extremely difficult week for the group after Logan’s passing,’ Rennie added. ‘He was one of us, and he will be very much in our thoughts when we take the field on Saturday.
‘The players have supported one another and prepared well. We are ready to go, and we know that is what Logan would have wanted and expected.’
New Zealand team to face Scotland…
B Barrett; W Jordan, Q Tupaea, J Barrett, J Moorby; D McKenzie, C Roigard; E de Groot, C Taylor (C), F Newell; S Barrett, F Holland, T Vaa’i, P Lakai, W Sititi. Subs: A Aumua, G Bower, P Tosi, C Lio-Willie, A Segner, C Ratima, T Tavatavanawai, R Ioane.
