Scotland will return to Nations Championship action this weekend as the mighty All Blacks visit Murrayfield in the first of four November Test matches for the men’s national team.
The current group of players once again have a shot at history as they bid to becomes the first ever Scotland side to beat New Zealand. As ever, it means there are some big decisions for head coach Gregor Townsend to make when he names his 23-man squad for the contest.
Here is The Scotsman’s predicted starting XV and replacements for the fixture and where we think some of the potentially match defining selections could be made:
17. Nathan McBeth
Has been in good form to start the current season with Glasgow, making an impact off the bench. Hopefully he can do the same for his country this weekend and beyond | SNS Group
18. Will Hurd
Quite a tough call this one as Elliot Millar Mills would have been the replacement tight-head if he hadn't withdrawn from the squad through injury. Hurd is next in line but Edinburgh's Ollie Blyth-Lafferty, a late call up, is someone tipped for a big future in the game and could very well be thrown into Test rugby at the deep end this weekend. The sensible call might be to stick with the more experienced Leicester Tigers man for now. | SNS Group / SRU
19. Max Williamson
A solid lock replacement option who brings a significant frame to the pack when introduced. Also has that Glasgow Warriors familiarity with Cummings and Brown. | SNS Group
20. Josh Bayliss
Versatile with a terrific engine and dangerous in the loose. In short, the ideal back row replacement forward as he has proven in recent years with the national team. | SNS Group