Scotland will return to Nations Championship action this weekend as the mighty All Blacks visit Murrayfield in the first of four November Test matches for the men’s national team.
The current group of players once again have a shot at history as they bid to becomes the first ever Scotland side to beat New Zealand. As ever, it means there are some big decisions for head coach Gregor Townsend to make when he names his 23-man squad for the contest.
Here is The Scotsman’s predicted starting XV and replacements for the fixture and where we think some of the potentially match defining selections could be made:
1. Pierre Schoeman
Continues as Scotland's first choice at loose-head with his ever impressive form for club and country over the past few years. | SNS Group
2. Ewan Ashman
A big call to be made at hooker with Gregor Hiddleston and Seb Stephen both being key to Glasgow's excellent set piece this season but Ashman brings more in the loose and can be a threat out wide which suits Scotland's style of play well so he's likely to get the nod | SNS Group / SRU
3. Zander Fagerson
Such a key figure over the years in that front-row and a player with an engine unrivalled by many modern day tight-heads which continues to be a huge asset for the national team | SNS Group
4. Gregor Brown
Often lauded for his versatility but the Glasgow man is an elite level lock who brings so much to the set piece and open play. That being said, don't be surprised to see him move back at some point in the second half if he does start | SNS Group