Scottish rugby fans are poised for a monumental encounter this weekend as their national team prepares for a historic challenge against the mighty All Blacks at Murrayfield.
Quest for a First Victory
Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in 32 previous attempts, making this Quilter Nations Series fixture a potential landmark moment for Gregor Townsend's side. While the Scots have come close in recent years, particularly during the All Blacks' last three visits to Edinburgh, that elusive first victory remains the ultimate prize.
The home side heads into the match with momentum, having comprehensively defeated the United States last weekend. Their campaign receives a significant boost with the return of several key players, most notably the mercurial fly-half Finn Russell, who is set to pull the strings from number ten.
Team News and Key Absences
Team selection has been influenced by injuries on both sides. Scotland suffered a double blow in the build-up, with Jamie Ritchie joining Zander Fagerson on the sidelines. This has prompted a reshuffle in the pack, with D'Arcy Rae starting at tighthead prop alongside Pierre Schoeman and Ewan Ashman. Gregor Brown completes a back row that also includes Matt Fagerson and Jack Dempsey.
In the backs, Ben White partners Russell at scrum-half, while Kyle Steyn gets the nod on the left wing ahead of Duhan van der Merwe. The bench features versatile backs Jamie Dobie and Tom Jordan.
New Zealand, meanwhile, are reeling from the loss of the Barrett brothers. Both captain Scott Barrett and centre Jordie Barrett have been ruled out through injury sustained during their team's productive trip to Chicago. The experienced Ardie Savea will captain the side from number eight.
Josh Lord is promoted to partner the impressive Fabian Holland in the second row, with Wallace Sititi also brought into the starting team. In the backline, Quinn Tupaea shifts to second five-eighth, with Leicester Fainga’anku stationed at outside centre.
How to Watch the Historic Match
The crucial autumn international is scheduled for Saturday, 8 November 2025, with kick-off at 3.10pm GMT at Murrayfield in Edinburgh.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match will be broadcast live on TNT Sports 1 and TNT Sports 3. Coverage on TNT Sports 3 begins at 2.45pm GMT. A live stream of the game will also be available via the discovery+ platform.
Confirmed Line-Ups
Scotland XV: 15 Blair Kinghorn, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Rory Hutchinson, 12 Sione Tuipulotu, 11 Kyle Steyn, 10 Finn Russell, 9 Ben White; 1 Pierre Schoeman, 2 Ewan Ashman, 3 D’Arcy Rae; 4 Scott Cummings, 5 Grant Gilchrist; 6 Gregor Brown, 7 Matt Fagerson, 8 Jack Dempsey.
Replacements: 16 George Turner, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Elliot Millar Mills, 19 Marshall Sykes, 20 Rory Darge, 21 Josh Bayliss; 22 Jamie Dobie, 23 Tom Jordan.
New Zealand XV: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Leicester Fainga’anku, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea (capt.), 8 Peter Lakai.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi; 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Damian McKenzie.
