New Zealand will contest the match in Edinburgh after registering 31 wins and two draws across 33 previous encounters with Scotland. The starting backline will feature Damian McKenzie at flyhalf and Beauden Barrett at fullback, while George Bower and Timoci Tavatavanawai step down to the reserves. Coach Dave Rennie has reshuffled the replacements bench to cover for injuries to Samisoni Taukei'aho and Shannon Frizell. Anton Segner also earned a place among the reserves over Duplessis Kirifi for the month-long tour of Britain.
Key points
New Zealand carry an undefeated 33-match historical record against Scotland into Saturday…: New Zealand carry an undefeated 33-match historical record against Scotland into Saturday's contest.
Injury replacements have forced significant adjustments across the All Blacks' reserve be…: Injury replacements have forced significant adjustments across the All Blacks' reserve bench unit.
The squad is seeking to build positive momentum following their recent 43-21 victory agai…: The squad is seeking to build positive momentum following their recent 43-21 victory against Australia.
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EDINBURGH, Nov 5 : New Zealand have made two changes to their starting lineup for Saturday’s Nations Championship clash versus Scotland after a rampant performance in the Bledisloe Cup against Australia last month, coach Dave Rennie announced on Thursday.
• Ethan de Groot is restored to the front row at loosehead in place of George Bower, while Jordie Barrett returns from injury at centre in place of Timoci Tavatavanawai
• Bower and Tavatavanawai are named among the replacements, where there are three other changes from the 43-21 win over Australia in Sydney on October 17
• Asafo Aumua is chosen ahead of the injured Samisoni Taukei'aho as hooker replacement, while Christian Lio-Willie replaces Shannon Frizell, who is also injured, and Anton Segner is preferred to Duplessis Kirifi, who was not chosen for the month-long trip to Britain
• New Zealand are unbeaten in 33 past tests against Scotland, with 31 wins and two draws
The 41-year-old forward confirmed his departure on social media following a dispute with national team coach Jorge Jesus, who chose not to play him against Norway. His exit concludes more than two decades representing Portugal, during which he transformed the side into major trophy winners despite missing out on a World Cup title. The federation has suggested a proper on-pitch tribute may still take place in the future.
The unexpected rest allows the second-seeded Spaniard to preserve his energy as he chases his fifth trophy of the campaign. Matteo Berrettini cited ongoing arm pain on social media, stepping aside ahead of their scheduled Thursday evening contest to undergo upcoming medical evaluations. Alcaraz now awaits a last-eight clash against either Arthur Fils or Taylor Fritz.
Officials are weighing ground assessments and diplomatic advice before greenlighting year-end immersion programmes to France and Germany. The heightened vigilance follows recent youth-led unrest over living costs and education investment that turned violent in several cities. Participating institutions are preparing contingency measures to adjust travel plans should conditions deteriorate.