Kyle Steyn will take the field as a starter for Scotland in their upcoming match against New Zealand at Murrayfield, filling in for Duhan van der Merwe. Van der Merwe recently celebrated his 50th cap and contributed significantly to Scotland’s impressive 85-0 victory over the United States, where he scored two tries, bringing his total to 34 international tries.
Head coach Gregor Townsend praised Steyn’s consistent performance throughout the season, especially since returning from injury after the Six Nations. “It’s really rewarding Kyle’s form this season,” Townsend stated, highlighting Steyn’s ability to contribute in various aspects of the game. He acknowledged that while not all players had the same opportunity to play leading into this tournament, Steyn has shown remarkable consistency that warranted his selection for the pivotal match against the All Blacks.
Scotland will also be playing without Zander Fagerson, who was initially expected to feature but has been sidelined due to ongoing knee issues. Townsend expressed optimism that Fagerson would still take part in future encounters despite his absence from this weekend’s fixture. In the meantime, D’Arcy Rae will maintain his position at tight-head prop in Fagerson’s stead.
Scotland’s recent rout against the United States took place outside the international window, with a squad comprised entirely of players from Glasgow and Edinburgh. The team’s lineup also sees the return of established stars Finn Russell and Blair Kinghorn, alongside Ben White and Rory Hutchinson. Sione Tuipulotu will captain the team, with only Rae, Darcy Graham, Scott Cummings, and Jack Dempsey remaining from the last match.
In head-to-head history, Scotland has faced the All Blacks 32 times, recording just two draws and 30 losses. New Zealand is sending a slightly adjusted starting lineup following their 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago, with Ardie Savea taking the captaincy role. Among the changes, lock Josh Lord and outside center Leicester Fainga’a-nuku will replace injured players Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett, while Wallace Sititi steps in for Simon Parker.
Townsend acknowledged the formidable nature of the All Blacks, referring to them as a “form side, cohesive side.” He emphasized the need for his team to deliver their best performance against the second-ranked rugby team in the world.
The match, viewed as a critical fixture for Scotland, presents a unique opportunity for the team to demonstrate their growth and resilience. With the leadership of Tuipulotu and the skillful players in key positions, fans can look forward to a competitive showdown, potentially marking a significant moment for Scotland in their rugby journey.
As the match approaches, hopes remain high for Scotland to break their streak against the All Blacks and achieve a strong performance on home turf.
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