Scotland will face New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday for the 34th time, with the All Blacks holding a 31-0 win record and two draws (1964, 1983) the only blemishes. Head coach Gregor Townsend, who suffered heavy defeats as a player in 1996 (62-31 and 69-20), says the mindset has shifted: "As a player, I don't think we ever felt we could win the game. I've not felt that as a coach."
Coach's record shows competitive matches
Since taking charge, Townsend has lost three Tests against New Zealand — 25-17 in 2025, 31-23 in 2023 and 22-17 in 2017 — but insists his teams had genuine chances. "Every time we've played against them, we've had opportunities to win and the belief has been there," he said, citing last year's comeback from 17-0 down to level at 17-17 before falling short.
Seismic schedule ahead
The coming months include the Nations Championship, Townsend's final Six Nations, a World Cup warm-up against New Zealand in Dunedin — Scotland's first away Test there since 2000 — and the World Cup itself. Townsend highlighted the disparity in southern-hemisphere exposure: Ireland have played four Tests in New Zealand in nine years, while Scotland have had none in 26 years.
Surprise call-up for Leatherbarrow
Newcastle Red Bulls flanker Ollie Leatherbarrow, 24, earned his first senior call-up despite starting just one club game this season. Townsend said the coaching staff had tracked him for six months and valued his carrying ability and versatility across the back row. Established players Magnus Bradbury and Freddy Douglas were omitted, with Townsend citing depth at openside (Rory Darge, Jamie Ritchie) and the need to assess Leatherbarrow for future involvement.
AFL expertise for aerial skills
Scotland have enlisted Justin Longmuir, head coach of AFL side Fremantle Dockers, to improve contesting high balls. Longmuir, the 2024 AFL Coach of the Year, joined the camp for two weeks. Townsend said the AFL language and techniques — including winning the ball on the ground after kicks — have already been integrated into training.
