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New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson expects a ‘game for the ages’ against Scotland on Saturday despite losing brothers Scott and Jordie Barrett to injury.
Robertson, who had a short spell playing with Ayr as a teenager, admits he and his squad are well aware of the All Blacks’ proud unbeaten record in this fixture and are intent on maintaining it at Murrayfield.
While Gregor Townsend’s men warmed up by thrashing a dreadful United States side 85-0, New Zealand took on the infinitely tougher challenge of facing Ireland in Chicago, running out 26-13 winners.
That success came with consequences, however, with captain and second-rower Scott Barrett picking up a knee injury and his brother, the centre Jordie, injuring a leg. Neither will make it in time for the weekend, although the third Barrett brother, Beauden, could yet feature even though he picking up a head knock in the same match.
Despite those setbacks, Robertson says he is looking forward to the weekend when Scotland will again look to end the sorry 120-year stretch of never having beaten the All Blacks.
Robertson said: ‘It’s great to be here. We’ve travelled well, we’re excited, and the locals know there’s a game on this week. We’ve been getting reminded regularly of that and we’re looking forward to it.
New Zealand's rugby stars will perform the Haka ahead of battle at Murrayfield on Saturday
Kiwi coach Scott Robertson says his men are aware of their unbeaten record in the fixture
The All Blacks were in action against Ireland in Chicago last week, winning 26-13
‘We’re aware of [New Zealand’s unbeaten record] and we’re proud of it. We know how big the occasion is this weekend. We’ve canvassed it with the boys to make sure they’re all aware.
‘There’s been a hell of a few games in the last few years, haven’t there? And on occasion it’s come down to the wire, so full respect. We’re playing against a Scottish team that had eight [British & Irish] Lions in it. And there are some generational players there so it’s going to be a game for the ages.
‘When it was put in the calendar last year, you knew the enormity of it, with it being the 100th anniversary of Murrayfield as well. They [Scottish Rugby] asked for us so you realise the invitation is for a reason.
‘It’s the occasion that you play for as an All Black and you want to be involved in. Obviously, that’s what international rugby is about, about testing yourself. So, we’ll certainly have that this weekend.
‘We know Scotland’s strengths and they’ll know ours. They’ve got a pretty handy back line. They’ve got a couple of really good jacklers, they can get over the ball, and a couple of good operators in the line-out. So, we’ll pick the strongest team we think for a really physical Test match.’
This is Robertson’s first visit to Murrayfield since becoming All Blacks head coach last year but he has played a Test match there before, scoring in a 37-6 victory in 2001.
He recalled: ‘It was a slippery night and it was a physical game from memory. Tana [Umaga] scored and Jonah [Lomu] might have got over as well. There have been a few games since then but I know it was a hugely passionate affair. And it will be the same this weekend.’
Robertson played against Scotland at Murrayfield in 2001 and recalls a physical contest
Scotland got their Autumn Test series off to a winning start with a one-sided defeat of the USA
While Robertson shuffles the deck to cope with the latest personnel changes, Scotland are also fretting over a few injury worries.
Zander Fagerson and Rory Darge both remain a doubt, with the former a particular concern given he hasn’t played at all since early April and with the paucity of alternative tighthead options.
Forwards coach John Dalziel said: ‘Both of them made big strides last week. Obviously Zander’s been out for a long period of time.
'Tomorrow [Tuesday] will be a big day on that and I think Gregor will give an update after that but really, it’ll be a case of trying to make the right decision for him [Fagerson] as well.
‘I know we all want to see him back as soon as possible and we’re hopeful that he’ll be on track but we’ll do the right thing by him as well and see how he is to train.
‘But we’ve got good depth here. And what we’ve been able to do in Zander’s absence is to get caps into guys like D’Arcy Rae, who’s been around the Scotland squad for a long period of time and got his first start at the weekend.’
