‘Nothing to do with aura’: Four pointers as Scotland target first win v All Blacks

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend dismissed the idea that New Zealand's aura causes a mental block as his side prepares to face the All Blacks on Saturday at Murrayfield. Scotland aims to break a 33-match, 121-year winless run against the All Blacks, with Townsend insisting previous defeats stemmed from execution and missed chances rather than psychological barriers.

Townsend made key selection decisions for the match, recalling center Huw Jones to partner captain Sione Tuipulotu in midfield, while retaining Kyle Rowe at full-back over Blair Kinghorn. Prop Rory Sutherland was selected to start ahead of Pierre Schoeman, while Townsend highlighted Tuipulotu and fly-half Finn Russell as Scotland's dual playmaking threats to counter New Zealand's Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett.