Scotland’s Russell and Tuipulotu return to face All Blacks

Scotland have restored captain Sione Tuipulotu and fly-half Finn Russell to face New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday, in the first of four Tests this month. The match is a major test for a reshuffled side and the latest meeting in a recent run of close contests between the teams.

Scotland have made extensive changes since beating Fiji 33-17 in July: Rory Sutherland is the only starting forward retained, while Kyle Steyn, Huw Jones, Ben White and Jamie Dobie return in the backs. New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has named Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor, both centurions, in his starting XV; he noted that the last four meetings with Scotland have been tight, including New Zealand’s 25-17 win last year.