Scotland banking on experience

SCOTLAND V NEW ZEALAND:FRANK HADDEN may have been the coach announcing Scotland's team to play New Zealand, but the television cameras did not have to pan too far to spot a man whose fingerprints were all over it.

He may have divided loyalties at Murrayfield this afternoon, but Mike Brewer, a son of Pukekohe, south of Auckland, and five-times captain of the All Blacks, clearly enjoyed what he heard.

Three of Scotland's biggest hitters had been recalled. Jason White was back despite playing only a handful of games for Sale, Simon Taylor was alongside him in the backrow even though Stade Français now see him as a lock, and Nathan Hines, two games back from suspension, was adding his 18st and 6ft 7in at lock.

Scotland's record against the All Blacks may be dismal - two draws in 103 years and 27 matches - but, with Brewer passing on his skills, New Zealand should get anything but an easy ride today.

This is Brewer's first Test in charge of the Scottish forwards. "It's a special week for me," he said. "My first international with Scotland. I told the boys it will be a huge honour to be part of that first team to beat them (New Zealand). I'm not trying to demystify the All Blacks, but we are looking for a performance.

"It's a relatively young and inexperienced All Blacks side," added Brewer, before hearing about the 12 changes to the team that beat Australia in Hong Kong last Saturday. "They do make mistakes - a lot more than All Blacks sides in the past. Part of selection at this level is how players adapt to pressure. You get a lot of very good players who can't make that step up. That's why guys like Jason have got the nod. We will be competitive."

The other New Zealander in the Scottish ranks, Sean Lineen, who coaches the backs, is also confident. He played 29 Tests for Scotland and says this is the most exciting back line he has been involved with.

If Scotland are banking on experience, the All Blacks have gone the other way, with debuts for Liam Messam and Kieran Read in the backrow and the giant loose-head prop Jamie Mackintosh. The side is short on experience, with Stephen Donald making only his second start at outhalf.

However, there are old heads around the field, with Ali Williams at lock, Keven Mealamu captaining the side from hooker and the scrumhalf Piri Weepu and inside-centre Ma'a Nonu either side of Donald. In extremis the coach, Graham Henry, can bring on Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

By resting so many players ahead of Tests against Ireland, Wales and England, Henry is sending a clear signal that he considers Scotland the weakest country his side will face on their grand slam tour.

• Guardian Service