Scotland Name Jones, Russell, Tuipulotu for Historic All Blacks Clash at Murrayfield

Scotland’s rugby union squad has been announced for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash at Murrayfield, with captain Sione Tuipulotu, fly-half Finn Russell, and centre Huw Jones all returning to the starting lineup. The team faces New Zealand at 2.10pm, aiming to secure their first-ever victory over the All Blacks in a contest that has seen them winless in 33 previous Tests.

Head coach Gregor Townsend has confirmed the return of the three key players, injecting significant experience into the backline for the weekend’s high-profile fixture. The selection restores the British and Irish Lions centre partnership between Jones and Tuipulotu, providing a familiar dynamic in the midfield.

Russell will guide the side from fly-half, partnering with fellow Lion Ben White in the scrum-half position to control the tempo of the game. This experienced combination aims to counter the formidable attack of the visiting New Zealand side in the capital.

Kyle Steyn and Jamie Dobie are selected to start on the wings, while Kyle Rowe takes the full-back role. Blair Kinghorn, a key figure in recent campaigns, is named on the bench as a replacement, offering a potent impact option later in the match.

In the forwards, Rory Sutherland starts at loosehead prop ahead of Pierre Schoeman, who moves to the replacement bench. Hooker Ewan Ashman and tighthead Zander Fagerson complete the front-row, providing stability in the set-piece.

The second-row features Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings, while the back-row is composed of Matt Fagerson at blindside, Rory Darge at openside, and Jack Dempsey at number eight. This selection balances youth with experience across the forward pack.

New Zealand has made two changes to their starting lineup following a dominant performance in the Bledisloe Cup against Australia last month. Ethan de Groot is restored to the front-row at loosehead, replacing George Bower, who moves to the bench.

Jordie Barrett returns from injury at centre, taking the place of Timoci Tavatavanawai in the starting XV. Bower and Tavatavanawai are named among the replacements, alongside three other changes from the 43-21 win over Australia in Sydney on October 17.

Asafo Aumua is chosen as the hooker replacement, stepping in for the injured Samisoni Taukei’aho. Christian Lio-Willie also replaces Shannon Frizell, who is unavailable due to injury, while Anton Segner is preferred to Duplessis Kirifi.

Kirifi was not chosen for the month-long trip to the Northern Hemisphere, leaving Segner as the preferred option for the bench. The All Blacks squad remains deep in talent, with several high-profile names available for selection.

Scotland’s full starting XV is: 15 Kyle Rowe, 14 Kyle Steyn, 13 Huw Jones, 12 Sione Tuipulotu (c), 11 Jamie Dobie, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White. The forward pack includes 1 Rory Sutherland, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 Zander Fagerson, 4 Gregor Brown, 5 Scott Cummings, 6 Matt Fagerson, 7 Rory Darge, 8 Jack Dempsey.

The replacement bench for Scotland features Gregor Hiddleston, Pierre Schoeman, Will Hurd, Max Williamson, Josh Bayliss, George Horne, Tom Jordan, and Blair Kinghorn. This depth allows Townsend to make tactical adjustments during the 80 minutes.

New Zealand’s starting lineup is: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 Cam Roigard. The forwards are 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor (c), 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Scott Barrett, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Peter Lakai, 8 Wallace Sititi.

The All Blacks’ replacement squad includes Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Pasilio Tosi, Christian Lio-Willie, Anton Segner, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Rieko Ioane. This bench provides significant impact options for the visitors.

The Nations Championship schedule continues with Ireland facing Argentina on Friday, November 6, at 8.10pm. Italy will host South Africa on Saturday, November 7, at 11.40am, while Wales take on Japan at 4.40pm the same day.

France will play Fiji on Friday, November 7, at 8.10pm, and England will face Australia on Sunday, November 8, at 3.10pm. The tournament continues with further fixtures scheduled for the following week, including Wales versus New Zealand on Saturday, November 14.

Scotland will next face Australia on Sunday, November 15, at 3.10pm, before concluding their campaign against Japan on Saturday, November 21, at 2.10pm. These matches will be crucial in determining their final standing in the championship.

The final placement matches are scheduled for the end of November, with the first-place North versus first-place South fixture taking place on November 29. This series of games will determine the ultimate hierarchy of the participating nations.