Graphic: Liam K. Swiggs Photo: ActionPress
Scotland v All Blacks
Kick-off: 4.10am
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Analysis - The All Blacks' first hurdle of their end of year tour has been cleared, but it came at a cost. Scott and Jordie Barrett both lasted only a few minutes of the 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago, which means we're going to see some changes this weekend in Edinburgh.
Here's what might happen when Scott Robertson reveals his side to play Scotland tonight at 9pm.
A new midfield
Quinn Tupaea of New Zealand celebrates his try with Wallace Sititi. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
Quinn Tupaea continued his solid form in Chicago, but the main man was Leicester Fainga'anuku. In his second test back after a stint overseas, Fainga'anuku wasted no time in showcasing his offloading ability to help set up Ardie Savea's try, which was the highlight of an otherwise turgid first hour on attack for the All Blacks.
So it's likely that duo will start on Sunday morning, which should mean Rieko Ioane will get a recall to the bench. Robertson can also call on Anton Lienert-Brown, however you'd think Ioane will get the nod due to his ability to play wing as well.
A young second row
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson (R) shakes hands with lock Josh Lord while Samipeni Finau looks on. Photo: photosport
Josh Lord has only started two tests in his career but the Chicago games may as well be another, since he had to come on within three minutes for Scott Barrett. Had the captain not been injured, it's likely Lord may have only got a brief stint off the bench at the end, however his shift proved that the faith shown in him after five seasons of test rugby has probably been worth it.
He now stands to start against Scotland and take charge of a lineout that was all over the show on their own ball, but sufficiently disruptive on Ireland's. Who will back him and Fabian Holland up will be interesting, as Samipeni Finau has ended up at lock a couple of times this season, while Josh Beehre has been called into the squad.
Peter and Wallace
Wallace Sititi scores against Ireland. Photo: www.photosport.nz
There's now a very intriguing battle going on for one of the loose forward spots, with Wallace Sititi coming off the bench to play a leading role in the All Blacks' eventual win. Lakai certainly wasn't bad, but it makes for an interesting call as to which one pulls on the number eight jersey this weekend.
Then there's a case for both to play and push Simon Parker to the bench, if Robertson desires a more mobile if slightly smaller loose forward trio.
Bench power
Cam Roigard celebrates scoring against Ireland. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Notice anything about the players mentioned? They all came on as replacements and while the test has quickly been put in the 'a win's a win' category, the fact that the bench played such a big part in it was something that Robertson would've been very pleased with.
That's despite the bench missing its most experienced member, Patrick Tuipulotu, who missed the tour with injury.
Steady as she goes otherwise
Caleb Clarke and Quinn Tupaea. Photo: www.photosport.nz
The only other change might be a front row rotation, however, the way the scrum went against Ireland that will be unlikely. Fletcher Newell and Ethan de Groot will get a rest at some stage, though.
Cam Roigard once again played all but the dying minutes, while Beauden Barrett copped a couple of big hits. They will remain the inside back combination, but out wide it looks like Caleb Clarke, Leroy Carter and Will Jordan are the most balanced back three the All Blacks have had all season.
They will be up against a very similar Scottish wing pairing of Duhan van der Merwe and Darcy Graham, with both coming off the successful British & Irish Lions tour earlier this year.
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