Autumn Internationals Preview: Scotland vs New Zealand

Ali Williams samples the local Scots deep-fried delicacies

Scotland have had a fairly wretched year internationally, only managing to beat the equally wretched England in the Six Nations, before a mixed summer tour during which they won one and lost one against the Pumas.  On the upside, their regions are faring better than usual this season and they do have some quality in Blair, White, Taylor and the Lamonts.  On the downside they have Nic De Luca, who has so far gone to pieces at international level, and they are so short of decent locks that Nathan Hines, 53, has earned a recall.

All of the above, however is academic and let's not beat about the bush; New Zealand are going to win, it is simply a question of by how much.   Their strength is such that they have a bench that features Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

Drink! each time the commentator says: Carter, the best number 10 in the world

Expect: A hammering of such magnitude that you will think Thor himself has come down from Valhalla with his mighty weapon

Scotland: Paterson (Edinburgh); Evans (Glasgow), Cairns (Edinburgh), De Luca (Edinburgh), S Lamont (Northampton); Godman (Edinburgh), Blair (Edinburgh, capt); Jacobsen (Edinburgh), Ford (Edinburgh), E Murray (Northampton), Hines (Perpignan), Hamilton (Edinburgh), White (Sale), Taylor (Stade Francais), Barclay (Glasgow).
Replacements: Hall (Glasgow Warriors), Dickinson (Gloucester), Mustchin (Edinburgh), Gray (Northampton), Lawson (Gloucester), Parks (Glasgow), Southwell (Edinburgh).

New Zealand: Isaia Toeava; Anthony Tuitavake, Richard Kahui, Ma'a Nonu, Joe Rokocoko; Stephen Donald, Piri Weepu; Jamie Mackintosh, Keven Mealamu (capt), John Afoa, Anthony Boric, Ali Williams, Kieran Read, Adam Thomson, Liam Messam.
Replacements: Corey Flynn, Neemia Tialata, Ross Filipo, Richie McCaw, Andy Ellis, Dan Carter, Cory Jane.

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