All Blacks v Scotland: Gregor Townsend eager to see Mike Blair in opposite coaching box

Mike Blair returns to Scotland as an assistant coach of the All Blacks.

By Ben Francis · NZ Herald

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 12:54 AM

Key Things to Know

Gregor Townsend says facing former assistant Mike Blair in the opposing coaching box will feel strange.
Mike Blair joined the All Blacks as attack coach under Dave Rennie after previously working under Townsend.
Scotland has never defeated the All Blacks in 33 test attempts, with 31 losses and two draws.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend said it will be a strange experience facing his former assistant Mike Blair when Scotland plays the All Blacks at Murrayfield. Blair, who previously worked under Townsend at Glasgow Warriors and Scotland, now serves as the attack coach for New Zealand under head coach Dave Rennie.

Townsend noted that Blair's influence is evident in how the All Blacks play, predicting an open and attacking match. Scotland has never beaten New Zealand in 33 meetings, but the last five tests have been decided by eight points or fewer.

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All Blacks v Scotland: Gregor Townsend eager to see Mike Blair in opposite coaching box

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