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:
5. Scott Cummings
Now well established as the leading figure in the second row having learned so much from the likes of Jonny Gray and Grant Gilchrist over the years. The British & Irish Lion is one of the first names on the team sheet in any selection. | SNS Group / SRU
6. Matt Fagerson
Has been out the past few weeks with a groin injury but is reportedly fit and ready to go so should slot into the back row on the blind-side where he has been excellent for his country the past few years | SNS Group
7. Rory Darge
Currently operating as one of the best sevens in world rugby, which is really saying something given the standard that's out there. A key player who will have a big defensive job ahead of him against the All Blacks. | SNS Group
8. Jack Dempsey
Scotland fans will be delighted to have him available for this international window, even if he will be missing for next year's Six Nations due to his club commitments in Japan. Another player who will have a big role to play in fronting up against the strength of New Zealand | SNS Group