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Johnnie Beattie: ‘Mike Blair is the Scot who made the All Blacks attack great again’

The detail of the former Scotland captain - and first foreign All Blacks coach - is evident in New Zealand's attacking revival as they descend on Murrayfield this weekend.

Published: Wednesday, 4 November 2026 at 6:34 PM
Johnnie Beattie: ‘Mike Blair is the Scot who made the All Blacks attack great again’
Key Things to Know
  • Johnnie Beattie praises Mike Blair's significant tactical impact as attack coach for the All Blacks.
  • Blair will coach against his native Scotland at Murrayfield during the Nations Championship.
  • Beattie views Blair as a potential future candidate to succeed Gregor Townsend as Scotland head coach.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Former Scotland international Johnnie Beattie highlights the coaching impact of former teammate Mike Blair, who returns to Murrayfield as an assistant coach for the All Blacks. Writing for RugbyPass, Beattie praises Blair's tactical influence and innovative attack structures, crediting him with playing a central role in New Zealand's recent resurgence ahead of their Nations Championship match against Scotland.

Beattie reflects on Blair's coaching journey from Glasgow and Edinburgh to working alongside Dave Rennie with New Zealand. He also suggests Blair could eventually be a primary candidate to succeed Gregor Townsend as Scotland head coach.

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