Scotland v New Zealand: Richie McCaw and Dan Carter to start for All Blacks

Published on 09/11/2012 18:36

NEW Zealand have made nine changes for Sunday’s EMC Test with Scotland, with captain Richie McCaw and fly-half Dan Carter both starting at Murrayfield.

The All Blacks are keen to improve upon their 18-18 draw with Australia last month in which they failed to score a try for the first time since August 2004.

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen said: “The team is excited about kicking off our tour in Scotland in front of a packed house at Murrayfield.

“We have had a good build up this week and the key for us has been to get our preparation spot on so we can put in a performance on Sunday which we are proud of.

“However, we know that the Scots will lift for this Test match and we expect them to be very combative.”

There will be two new All Blacks caps at Murrayfield, with hooker Dane Coles, 25, and 22-year-old half-back Tawera Kerr-Barlow on the bench.

Scotland lost the most recent meeting with New Zealand, in November 2010, 49-3.

New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Ben Smith, Tamati Ellison, Julian Savea, Daniel Carter, Piri Weepu; Wyatt Crockett, Andrew Hore, Owen Franks, Luke Romano, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Richie McCaw (captain), Victor Vito.

Replacements: Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock, Ben Franks, Ali Williams, Sam Cane, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Beauden Barrett, Ma’a Nonu.