‘Fully loaded’ All Blacks out to preserve Scotland record

New Zealand assistant coach Mike Blair says the All Blacks will field a full-strength side against Scotland at Murrayfield as they seek to maintain their unbeaten record in the Nations Championship. He said recent matches have been close and that New Zealand respect the threat Scotland pose, while protecting the long-standing record is a strong motivation.

Scotland have failed to beat New Zealand in 33 attempts over 121 years, although the last four meetings have been decided by single-digit margins. Blair, a former Scotland international and Edinburgh head coach, has worked with Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and says that familiarity offers limited advantage. The All Blacks are also mourning the sudden death of head of security Logan Cadwallader, who had been with the team for 10 years.