Scotland will face the All Blacks in New Zealand for the first time in 27 years as part of their build-up to next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Gregor Townsend’s side will play their final warm-up match in Dunedin before flying to Australia for their World Cup Pool D opener against Uruguay on Sunday, 3 October.
The Scots have not played an away Test against the All Blacks since a 48-14 defeat at Eden Park in July 2000. They were due to tour New Zealand in the summer of 2020, but that series was cancelled amid the Covid pandemic — making this a long-overdue reunion.
Scotland will face the All Blacks away for the first time since 2000 (Credits: BBC Sport)
A Short, Sharp Build-Up
Scotland are taking a leaner approach this cycle. As with the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, they will play home and away warm-up fixtures against France — but will play just three internationals leading into the tournament rather than the four they favoured before previous editions.
The idea is clear: arrive fresh, stay sharp, and keep the squad’s legs under them for the tournament grind in Australia.
First Up: Murrayfield Next Month
Before the long trip south, the two sides meet at Murrayfield next month in the Nations Championship — giving Scotland an early taste of what awaits in Dunedin.
A World Cup in Australia, a date with the All Blacks on their own turf, and a trimmed warm-up schedule: Townsend’s men have a bold plan. Whether it pays off will be decided in Pool D come October.
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Source: BBC Sport — read the full story there.
