Rugby: Scots to face the All Blacks

Scotland will entertain the world champion All Blacks in a Murrayfield rugby Test next year, according to reports in today’s New Zealand media.

Announcing plans for a revenue-sharing Test against England at Twickenham on December 1, it is claimed that fixture will come towards the end of a tour also featuring fixtures against Wales, Italy and Scotland, probably on the weekend of Saturday, November 24 2012.

The All Blacks are also being lined up to host a three-Test series next summer against Ireland, while Wales have a similar agreement in Australia, leaving the Scots with just one away game with the SANZAR elite.

Meanwhile, Currie will draw heavily on the pro ranks when kicking off their British and Irish Cup bid at Leeds on Sunday, with Edinburgh backs Gregor Hunter and John Houston starting at stand-off and centre respectively. A side captained by Ross Weston will also include Glasgow pair Finlay Gillies (hooker) and Rob Verbakel (second row) while props Neil Dymock and Struan Cessford are borrowed from Dundee and Heriot’s due to an injury crisis.

In the Capital tomorrow Watsonians host Stewart’s Melville (3pm) in the new Regional Cup competition. Sonians are set to recall Matt Henderson after injury while former player Blair Tweedie is in the Stew-Mel squad.