New Zealand make three changes to team for Scotland clash as new captain picked

Lock Josh Lord and outside centre Leicester Fainga’anuku have been brought in to replace injured duo Scott Barrett and Jordie Barrett, while flanker Wallace Sititi comes in for Simon Parker.

The Barrett brothers assumed captaincy and vice-captaincy responsibilities for last weekend’s 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago but both were ruled out of Saturday’s eagerly-anticipated match against Scotland due to injuries sustained over in America. Beauden Barrett and Codie Taylor have been named as vice-captains.

The All Blacks have never lost to Scotland in 32 matches, although Gregor Townsend’s men ran them close at Murrayfield three years ago. The pair have also played out two draws in their history.

“We are honoured to be part of the 100th anniversary of rugby at Murrayfield,” said New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson. “It will be a special occasion. We have a proud history with Scotland and recent games between us have been close. We have named the best team to reflect the challenge we know Scotland will present.”

Scotland are due to name their team later this morning.

New Zealand team to face Scotland: 15 Will Jordan; 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Caleb Clarke; 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Fletcher Newell, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 8 Peter Lakai. Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi , 19 Sam Darry, 20  Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23  Damian McKenzie.