In a decisive shake-up, Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, has sidelined Simon Parker in favor of Chiefs powerhouse Wallace Sititi for the upcoming clash against Scotland. Sititi, a dynamic player, will join the loose trio, marking a significant tactical reshuffle as New Zealand seeks to extend their undefeated streak and aim for a Grand Slam victory.
Parker, previously a regular in the blindside role, has seen his form dip recently, prompting Robertson to opt for Sititi's robust energy in the number six jersey. Sititi, who had a standout year in 2024, returns to a position where he has previously excelled, alongside Peter Lakai and captain Ardie Savea in the back row.
"We are honoured to be part of the 100th anniversary of rugby at Murrayfield, 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,"
Robertson commented.
The line-up sees two more enforced changes due to injuries. Leicester Fainga’anuku steps into the center position and Josh Lord slots into the second row, following standout performances in Chicago against Ireland after the Barrett brothers, Jordie and captain Scott, were sidelined. Beauden Barrett remains a key player, continuing at fly-half partnered with Cam Roigard.
Quinn Tupaea will fill Jordie Barrett’s shoes at inside centre, a position where he has previously shone. The back three remains unchanged with Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, and Caleb Clarke providing speed and agility on the wings and at fullback.
In the forwards, the young lock duo of Fabian Holland and Josh Lord will need to step up in the absence of more seasoned players. The front-row trio of Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot retains their spots, solidifying the scrum.
Off the bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, and Pasilio Tosi are set to make an impact, alongside Sam Darry and Du’Plessis Kirifi. Backline reinforcements Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie are joined by Billy Proctor, who edges out Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown for a spot among the replacements.
All Blacks 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, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot. 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. Date: Saturday, November 8 Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh Kick-off: 15:10 GMT (
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In a decisive shake-up, Scott Robertson, head coach of the All Blacks, has sidelined Simon Parker in favor of Chiefs powerhouse Wallace Sititi for the upcoming clash against Scotland. Sititi, a dynamic player, will join the loose trio, marking a significant tactical reshuffle as New Zealand seeks to extend their undefeated streak and aim for a Grand Slam victory.
Parker, previously a regular in the blindside role, has seen his form dip recently, prompting Robertson to opt for Sititi's robust energy in the number six jersey. Sititi, who had a standout year in 2024, returns to a position where he has previously excelled, alongside Peter Lakai and captain Ardie Savea in the back row.
"We are honoured to be part of the 100th anniversary of rugby at Murrayfield, 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,"
Robertson commented.The line-up sees two more enforced changes due to injuries. Leicester Fainga’anuku steps into the center position and Josh Lord slots into the second row, following standout performances in Chicago against Ireland after the Barrett brothers, Jordie and captain Scott, were sidelined. Beauden Barrett remains a key player, continuing at fly-half partnered with Cam Roigard.
Quinn Tupaea will fill Jordie Barrett’s shoes at inside centre, a position where he has previously shone. The back three remains unchanged with Will Jordan, Leroy Carter, and Caleb Clarke providing speed and agility on the wings and at fullback.
In the forwards, the young lock duo of Fabian Holland and Josh Lord will need to step up in the absence of more seasoned players. The front-row trio of Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot retains their spots, solidifying the scrum.
Off the bench, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, and Pasilio Tosi are set to make an impact, alongside Sam Darry and Du’Plessis Kirifi. Backline reinforcements Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie are joined by Billy Proctor, who edges out Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown for a spot among the replacements.
All Blacks 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, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
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.
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:10 GMT (