All Blacks out to preserve 120-year record v Scots

New Zealand arrive in Edinburgh on a high after taking care of Ireland in Chicago and the goal at Murrayfield on Saturday is to preserve a 120-year record of having never lost to Scotland.

In the 32 meetings between the sides, the All Blacks have won 30 and drawn twice, and the current squad do not want to be remembered as the ones who allowed the spell to be broken.

“Any test for the All Blacks, you’re massively motivated to make sure you win, but the history and the legacy behind that, those numbers are pretty massive”, said All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland.

In years gone by, when the Scottish team was far weaker than it is now, the Edinburgh leg of the All Blacks ‘ autumn European tour was where they would give their big guns a rest for the tougher assignments to come.

While there will inevitably be some shuffling of the deck after their efforts in Chicago last Saturday – Scott and Jordie Barrett have both been ruled out through injury – and a trip to Twickenham still to come, recent meetings would suggest the Scots will not be taken lightly.

The past three meetings have all been decided by winning margins in the single digits rather than the one-sided blowouts that tended to be the case when the All Blacks arrived in the Scottish capital.

“The growth around Scottish footy over the last couple of years has been massive”, said Holland.

“Massive occasion for them, obviously, with the 100 years]of Murrayfield]. It’s going to be a massive battle up front.

In the most recent Rugby Championship, New Zealand lost to Argentina in a surprise defeat, which was the biggest defeat in their history.

Some people now think the All Blacks’ aura may be waning and that this is Scotland’s best chance to win the game, but Scotland wing Darcy Graham claims they are still as strong as ever.

No, that doesn’t completely slip. Graham, who equaled Duhan van der Merwe and Graham for Scotland’s record try scorer, said, “we know the challenge that’s coming on Saturday.”

They’re world class, they can switch boys in and out, and they’ve got that quality across their entire team.

You always wanted to play against the All Blacks growing up. It will be special because you won’t have any bigger occasions. The atmosphere will be incredible, especially at Murrayfield.

It’s exciting because there will be real buzz throughout the entire week.

They are a fantastic team thanks to their history. They will be the favorites to be visiting here.