Scotland host New Zealand in the EMC Autumn Test at Murrayfield on Saturday 13 November with Kick-off at 1715 GMT with live coverage on BBC One Scotland.
Andy Robinson has called uncapped Grieg Laidlaw on to the bench for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks, replacing injured Rory Lawson. There are also five other changes to the starting XV, with Rory Lamont replacing Simon Danielli. Euan Murray takes Moray Low’s place at tight-head prop, and Richie Gray and Richie Vernon also make débuts. Gray and Vernon, both of Glasgow Warriors, come in for the injured Ally Kellock and Johnnie Beattie.
Robinson said: (quote) This is obviously disappointing for Rory but there is now an opportunity for Greig, who is tenacious and fiercely competitive and has shown the skills and mindset on his appearances for Scotland A and Scotland Sevens and on his performances for Edinburgh to underline his credentials. Robinson went on to say It is imperative that we front up from the first whistle against the All Blacks on Saturday and play the game at a tempo where we can unveil our skills and show our discipline. (end quote)
For the All Blacks, Hikawera Elliot is on standby if Keven Mealamu fails to have his ban turned over. Other changes from the England game are:
Liam Messum replaces Jerome Kaino at blind-side flanker, Jimmy Cowan returns in place of Alby Mathewson at scrum-half,Isaia Toeava comes in for Joe Rokocoko on the right wing and Conrad Smith is back in the centres. Smith’s return means a move to inside centre for former rugby league standout Sonny Bill Williams, with Ma’a Nonu relegated to the replacements’ bench.
Richie McCaw and Mils Muliaina are set to equal the All Blacks record of 92 caps at Murrayfield on Saturday.
teams
Scotland: Hugo Southwell (Stade Francais), Rory Lamont (Toulon), Max Evans (Glasgow Warriors), Graeme Morrison (Glasgow Warriors), Sean Lamont (Scarlets), Dan Parks (Cardiff Blues), Mike Blair (Edinburgh) CAPTAIN, Allan Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Ross Ford (Edinburgh), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints), Richie Gray (Glasgow Warriors), Jim Hamilton (Gloucester), Kelly Brown (Saracens), Richie Vernon (Glasgow Warriors), John Barclay (Glasgow Warriors).
Replacements: Scott Lawson (Gloucester). Alasdair Dickinson (Gloucester), Nathan Hines (Leinster), Ross Rennie (Edinburgh), Rory Lawson (Gloucester), Ruaridh Jackson (Glasgow Warriors), Nikki Walker (Ospreys).
New Zealand: M Muliaina; I Toeava, C Smith, SB Williams, H Gear; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock, H Elliot/K Mealamu, O Franks, B Thorn, S Whitelock, L Messam, R McCaw (capt), K Read.
Replacements: A Hore, J Afoa, A Boric, D Braid, A Ellis, S Donald, M Nonu.