Facing the All Blacks has historically been a formidable challenge for Scotland, akin to the weight that could strain the Forth Road Bridge.

For over 120 years, the Scots have sought victory in this high-stakes matchup, yet the elusive conquest remains beyond their grasp—a conundrum yet to be unraveled.

In a total of 32 encounters, New Zealand has emerged victorious 30 times, with the only exceptions being two drawn matches. The victory column for Scotland remains starkly empty.

The 2007 Rugby World Cup brought a harsh 40-0 defeat for Scotland on home turf, notably marked by Frank Hadden’s controversial decision to play a second-tier team.

In 2010, the All Blacks dominated once again with a 49-3 win at Murrayfield during the autumn internationals. By 2012, as reigning world champions, New Zealand triumphed 51-22.

During those years, the All Blacks showcased a roster brimming with talent, featuring stars like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, and Julian Savea.

Scotland take to the Murrayfield pitch for the Captain’s Run ahead of the All Blacks Test

Sione Tuipulotu will captain the Scots as they look to finally break their New Zealand duck

Gregor Townsend has talked up this generation of Scottish players… now they must prove themselves against the Kiwis

There have also been a few near misses, most notably over the past decade or so. In 2014, Vern Cotter’s Scotland trailed by only a single point with seven minutes to go, but eventually lost 24-16.

In 2017, against an All Blacks team who finished with 14 players, Scotland might have won it had Stuart Hogg not been hauled down just a few metres short of the try line.

The most recent encounter in 2022 was probably the most painful of the lot. Scotland made a terrible start and were 14-0 down early in the game.

They then scored 23 unanswered points to lead 23-14 in the second half. But they lost their nerve and blew a nine-point lead, eventually going down 31-23.

Alas, the cruel majesty of the All Blacks.

The look of complete and utter dejection that was etched across Gregor Townsend’s face after that match is still vivid.

Never in his eight-and-a-half-year tenure as Scotland head coach has this correspondent ever seen him look as flat as he did that in that moment. It must have felt like his team had been the victims of a mugging.

‘I’m gutted because I’m not sure we will ever get a better chance to finally beat the All Blacks,’ said Townsend as he stood deep in the bowels of Murrayfield.

At that point, having had two cracks at them and falling just short, Townsend thought the opportunity to make history had passed him by.

In his heart of hearts, he probably never expected to still be in charge three years down the line. It was clear from the way he spoke that day.

But here we are. In what is the standout fixture of Scotland’s autumn schedule, the glint of the famous silver fern brings a golden opportunity for Townsend and his players.

The air of invincibility around New Zealand has faded. They are still a good team, but nowhere near the force of old. That is not intended as a slight on Scott Robertson’s side, just a reflection of reality.

If you were to compile a list of the greatest All Black teams in history, this current crop probably wouldn’t even make it into the top 10.

Ultimately, they are a team in transition. A highly successful coach who spent time in Scotland and Ireland as a player, Robertson is building towards the next World Cup in 2027.

When he was in charge of the Crusaders, Robertson was known to indulge in some breakdancing to celebrate his team’s victories.

He is a colourful character, as evidenced by his tales earlier this week of necking pints of Guinness at Ayr Rugby Club, and someone who was coveted by Glasgow Warriors only a few years ago.

He might well whip the All Blacks into shape by the time the World Cup rolls around. But, in the here and now, they are eminently beatable.

A couple of months ago in the Rugby Championship, they suffered a record 43-10 defeat to South Africa and also lost to Argentina.

They looked laboured for the first hour of their match against Ireland in Chicago last weekend, eventually pulling clear in the final 20 minutes to win 26-13.

At the same time, Scotland were engaged in a glorified training exercise against the USA. Indeed, after winning 85-0, you suspect they may even have had tougher, full-contact training sessions against each other.

Townsend has recalled most of Scotland’s big guns for this showdown, all bar Duhan van der Merwe. For the first time in his Scotland career, the giant winger has been dropped.

In picking Kyle Steyn ahead of Van der Merwe on the wing, Townsend has gone for the smart choice rather than the sexy choice.

Van der Merwe’s highlights reel would be the envy of any winger in world rugby, but Steyn is a more complete player and does not suffer from the same defensive lapses that often afflict his South-African born colleague.

With Zander Fagerson absent through injury, there is a very distinct possibility that New Zealand could target Scotland in the scrum.

Tuipulotu and his team-mates will wear a jersey to commemorate 100 years of playing at Murrayfield against the All Blacks

D’Arcy Rae needs to have the game of his life at tighthead, otherwise Scotland could be monstered up front in the set-piece.

New Zealand are weakened by the loss of Scott and Jordie Barrett through injury, but their brother Beauden will fly the family flag. With 142 caps to his name, he remains a class act even at 34 years of age.

With Scotland wearing a limited edition jersey to mark Murrayfield’s centenary year, the dark navy will mean that the All Blacks will be decked out in their changed white kit.

The most iconic jersey in world sport will be conspicuous by its absence, but the mystique of the All Black magic still has the capacity to bewitch and bedazzle.

Victory for Scotland would blow the roof off Murrayfield. The cheers would be heard all the way from the Eden Estuary to Eden Park.

For Townsend and his players, opportunity knocks. If not now, then when?