The All Blacks are set to face a tough challenge in Edinburgh as they look to preserve their 120-year unbeaten record against Scotland at Murrayfield. The New Zealand team, fresh from their victories over Ireland and Argentina in the Rugby Championship, are facing their toughest test of the season so far.
Their opponents, however, have been gaining momentum under new coach Gregor Townsend, who has instilled a more attacking brand of rugby into the Scottish side. With the growth of Scottish football over the past two years being "massive," as assistant coach Jason Holland noted, the Scots are no longer to be underestimated.
In fact, Scotland's 85-0 demolition of the United States recently saw wing Darcy Graham claim hat-trick and level with Duhan van der Merwe in Scotland's record try scorer list. Graham's confidence is palpable: "No, that doesn't slip at all... The quality they've got across their whole team, they can swap boys in and out, they're world class."
While Graham acknowledges the All Blacks' status as formidable opponents, he also emphasizes the special occasion of playing against his favorite team: "Growing up, you always wanted to play against the All Blacks. You don't get any bigger occasions... it's going to be special. Especially at Murrayfield, the atmosphere is going to be incredible."
For the All Blacks, however, this match represents more than just a test of their skills - it's also an opportunity to preserve a remarkable piece of history. With 30 wins and two draws in their previous meetings with Scotland, the stakes are high for the team not to give up their unbeaten record.
As they prepare to face the Scottish side at Murrayfield, All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland stressed that "the style of footy that Gregor has got them playing... we've got to be on and not give them the ball too easily." The pressure is on both teams, but it's clear that this match will be one for the ages.
Their opponents, however, have been gaining momentum under new coach Gregor Townsend, who has instilled a more attacking brand of rugby into the Scottish side. With the growth of Scottish football over the past two years being "massive," as assistant coach Jason Holland noted, the Scots are no longer to be underestimated.
In fact, Scotland's 85-0 demolition of the United States recently saw wing Darcy Graham claim hat-trick and level with Duhan van der Merwe in Scotland's record try scorer list. Graham's confidence is palpable: "No, that doesn't slip at all... The quality they've got across their whole team, they can swap boys in and out, they're world class."
While Graham acknowledges the All Blacks' status as formidable opponents, he also emphasizes the special occasion of playing against his favorite team: "Growing up, you always wanted to play against the All Blacks. You don't get any bigger occasions... it's going to be special. Especially at Murrayfield, the atmosphere is going to be incredible."
For the All Blacks, however, this match represents more than just a test of their skills - it's also an opportunity to preserve a remarkable piece of history. With 30 wins and two draws in their previous meetings with Scotland, the stakes are high for the team not to give up their unbeaten record.
As they prepare to face the Scottish side at Murrayfield, All Blacks assistant coach Jason Holland stressed that "the style of footy that Gregor has got them playing... we've got to be on and not give them the ball too easily." The pressure is on both teams, but it's clear that this match will be one for the ages.