Gregor Townsend Makes Big Selection Call as Scotland Chase First-Ever Win Over the All Blacks
Kyle Steyn has been named in Scotland’s starting XV to face New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series clash at Scottish Gas Murrayfield on Saturday, 8 November (15:10 GMT).
Head coach Gregor Townsend has made a bold call by selecting Steyn ahead of star winger Duhan van der Merwe, as Scotland aim to make history with their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.
Steyn Replaces Van der Merwe After Strong Club Form
Van der Merwe, who celebrated his 50th international cap in last weekend’s record-breaking 85–0 win over the United States, has been left out of the starting lineup despite scoring twice in that game — taking his career tally to 34 international tries.
In his place, Glasgow Warriors captain Kyle Steyn gets the nod after a run of outstanding domestic performances.
“It’s really rewarding Kyle’s form this season,” said Townsend. “Since returning from injury after the Six Nations, he’s been consistently strong in all areas of his game. He’s earned this opportunity.”
Steyn has scored 13 tries in 25 appearances for Scotland, and his all-round game — especially defensively and under the high ball — is expected to provide balance against the fast and physical All Blacks backline.
Fagerson’s Absence a Major Setback
Scotland’s preparations have been hit by the absence of Zander Fagerson, who was initially expected to return after a lengthy injury layoff.
“This time last week, I thought Zander would be available,” Townsend revealed. “But his knee just wasn’t 100 percent right. We still believe he’ll play some part in this series, but not this weekend.”
With Fagerson unavailable, D’Arcy Rae continues at tighthead prop. His inclusion marks a crucial test against one of the strongest scrummaging units in world rugby.
Key Players Return for the All Blacks Test
Following the USA demolition — a match that fell outside the international window — several senior players return to Scotland’s lineup.
Finn Russell, Blair Kinghorn, Ben White, and Rory Hutchinson all come back into the squad.
Captain Sione Tuipulotu also returns, leading a side featuring both Edinburgh and Glasgow stars.
Only Rae, Darcy Graham, Scott Cummings, and Jack Dempsey retain their starting roles from the USA game.
Meanwhile, Gregor Brown has been selected ahead of former captain Jamie Ritchie in the number six shirt — another notable change in the back row.
New Zealand Aim to Extend 120-Year Unbeaten Record Against Scotland
The All Blacks enter the contest determined to preserve their 120-year unbeaten record against Scotland.
In 32 previous meetings, New Zealand have won 30 times, with two matches ending in draws.
Head coach Scott Robertson has made three changes to the side that beat Ireland 26–13 in Chicago.
- Josh Lord replaces Scott Barrett in the second row.
- Leicester Fainga’anuku starts at outside centre in place of Jordie Barrett.
- Wallace Sititi takes over from Simon Parker at flanker.
Captain Ardie Savea leads a New Zealand team that remains ranked number two in the world.
“They’re a form side, cohesive and physical,” Townsend said. “We’ve got to deliver close to our best performance if we want to compete.”
Tactical Breakdown: Why Steyn Over Van der Merwe?
Dropping Van der Merwe — Scotland’s joint-record try scorer — is a massive call, but one that makes tactical sense.
While Van der Merwe’s attacking threat is unmatched, his defensive positioning and aerial control can be inconsistent. Steyn offers greater balance and reliability, which may prove vital against New Zealand’s dangerous wingers like Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan.
Rugby analysts believe Townsend’s decision reflects a desire for defensive discipline over flair in a match where possession and territory will be fiercely contested.
Tighthead Weakness Could Be Scotland’s Undoing
The most glaring concern for Scotland is the tighthead prop position.
With Zander Fagerson still unavailable, D’Arcy Rae faces the monumental challenge of matching up against Ethan de Groot in the scrum — a battle that could shape the outcome of the match.
Rae’s primary task will be to hold his own set-piece, just as Darryl Marfo famously did against the All Blacks in 2017 during a similar injury crisis.
If Scotland can achieve parity up front, their dynamic backline — led by Finn Russell — could create scoring opportunities.
Confirmed Line-Ups
Scotland:
Kinghorn; Graham, Hutchinson, Tuipulotu (capt), Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Gilchrist, Cummings, Brown, M Fagerson, Dempsey.
Replacements: Turner, Sutherland, Millar-Mills, Sykes, Darge, Bayliss, Dobie, Jordan.
New Zealand:
Jordan; Carter, Fainga’anuku, Tupaea, Clarke; B Barrett, Roigard; Groot, Taylor, Newell, Lord, Holland, Sititi, Savea (capt), Lakai.
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Williams, Tosi, Darry, Kirifi, Ratima, Proctor, McKenzie.
Can Scotland Finally Beat the All Blacks?
Scotland have come agonizingly close to beating New Zealand in recent years, including a narrow 31–23 defeat at Murrayfield in 2022.
This time, Townsend’s side have the experience, fitness, and home advantage to believe they can end the drought — but only if they play with precision and discipline for the full 80 minutes.
“They’re world-class,” Townsend said. “But we’ve prepared well, and the players know what’s at stake.”
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