New Zealand’s second team to face Kiwi-led Scotland

The rest of the world of rugby, with the exception of South Africa and possibly Australia and England every blue moon, got an idea where it stood when the All Blacks announced their side to play Scotland at Murrayfield this evening. Only two of the starting side which beat England by the most comfortable of three-point margins will run out against Scotland.

There is no Conrad Smith, Israel Dagg, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea, no Jerome Kaino, no Kieran Read – in fact only Ben Smith and the captain Richie McCaw keep their places.

However, Dan Carter is back for his first start of the season and no one has any doubt that the side which has been the planet’s best since the 2011 World Cup will beat Scotland.

New Zealand are unbeaten in 29 meetings with Saturday’s hosts and no one expects that to change, although it is the size of the perceived selectorial snub which must make Scotland question the esteem in which they are held by New Zealand’s head coach Steve Hansen.

Hansen has been in pretty dismissive mood this week. After reminding England of where they stand in the world pecking order just 10 months out from their own World Cup, he is now confronted by two sides – Scotland this week and Wales next – coached by New Zealanders.

So is Hansen impressed? After all, under Vern Cotter, once of Counties Manukau and Bay of Plenty, Scotland have won four from five, beating Argentina and scoring five tries last time out.

Actually Hansen preferred to see Cotter as a coach with more of France in his soul, having moved to Edinburgh from the Massif Central and Clermont Auvergne.

“He’s very immersed, I would say, in French rugby – that’s where he has come from,” said Hansen, when asked about Cotter this week.

“But you don’t forget where your roots are, I suppose, and I guess he does have an understanding of the New Zealand psyche – if not the All Blacks team.”

Underwhelmed

In fact the All Blacks head coach was pretty underwhelmed at meeting Kiwi coaches back to back. “It’s becoming the norm. They’ve had New Zealand coaches over here for a long time, so it’s become the norm to be facing a Kiwi somewhere – whether it’s in the team or in the coaching staff – which is good, I guess, for world rugby but not so good for us because a lot of good people are taking the opportunity. But good on them.”

Greig Laidlaw, who leads Scotland today, says the Kiwi effect is already rubbing off.

“That’s been good for us, me especially,” said Laidlaw.

“I have been speaking to Vern to get an understanding as to what they are all about. It’s clear to see the All Blacks have a great attitude every time they play the game.

“They are strong mentally and maybe Vern can give us an insight into the New Zealand way of thinking.” Guardian Service