Townsend never felt he could beat All Blacks as a player, but as a coach…

Gregor Townsend says Scotland have the belief and ability to challenge New Zealand now, unlike when he faced the All Blacks as a player in the 1990s. His comments come ahead of Scotland’s 34th meeting with New Zealand, a fixture in which Scotland have yet to win, and before a significant run of tournaments and World Cup preparation for his side.

Townsend lost heavily to New Zealand as a player, including defeats by 62-31 and 69-20, but his three matches as coach have been much closer, with Scotland losing 25-17, 31-23 and 22-17. He says Scotland’s recent performances have created chances but lacked composure to take them. A planned World Cup warm-up in Dunedin will be Scotland’s first away Test against the All Blacks since 2000; Townsend also named Newcastle flanker Ollie Leatherbarrow in his squad.