Dave Rennie’s All Blacks begin their November Nations Championship campaign against Scotland at Scottish Gas Murrayfield.

New Zealand head into the fixture after two impressive wins against Australia, following the disappointment of losing Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series to South Africa.

But for the All Blacks, they'll look to build confidence ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup in Australia, with some notable victories this month.

However, New Zealand will be without several key figures after being hammered by injuries. This includes regular captain Ardie Savea, who has been ruled out of the Northern Hemisphere tour with a shoulder injury.

Scotland are aiming for their first-ever victory against the All Blacks, and while Rennie’s side enters the contest as favourites, they cannot underestimate them.

That said, here is our predicted All Blacks XV to face Scotland.

Back-Three 

With Caleb Clarke (shoulder) out injured, this gives Chay Fihaki a golden opportunity this November.

The 25-year-old recently made his debut against Australia after spending substantial time with Canterbury, where he won the National Provincial Championship title.

Head coach Rennie, like so many this month, will have one eye on next year’s World Cup, and this seems like the perfect time to continue developing Fihaki on the international stage.

For more experience in the back-three, Reiko Ioane is likely to be named.

The experienced winger has not started for the All Blacks in an international since facing Wales in 2025. New Zealand will need him this month.

Completing the back three, Beauden Barrett should be selected at 15. He was outstanding against Australia, scoring twice in a 43-21 victory.

Centres 

Both Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea’s retention demonstrates their importance to this All Blacks side, and is an area of considerable strength.

This partnership will be critical, providing both creative playmaking and solid defence and giving their side a better chance of getting past Scotland.

Tupaea’s prowess complements Barrett’s versatility well, and the 27-year-old’s impressive form of late shows he can contribute positively on both sides of the ball.

Elsewhere, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Anton Lienert-Brown will provide further competition for the starting jersey, as this area is a real strength for the All Blacks.

Half-backs  

There’s been a lot of discussion about who should start at 10 for the All Blacks. But that conversation seems easier because Damian McKenzie has been a standout performer.

He’s known for his dynamic playmaking, quick footwork, and strong tactical kicking game.

With the World Cup in mind, you'd expect Josh Jacomb to make his debut off the bench, with Richie Mo’unga added later in the tour to add experience as the other option, especially with the chance to win silverware in London.

The Hurricanes’ Cam Roigard has been New Zealand’s key player throughout 2026.

His quick distribution keeps his side’s attack tempo up, and his ability to read the game and spot gaps makes him one of the first names on the teamsheet.

Both Kyle Preston and Cortez Ratima will keep Roigard honest, but with the injury, it's a grim read for Rennie; having the 25-year-old start makes things a lot prettier.

Front-Row 

The All Blacks have needed to readjust their forward pack due to injuries, putting considerable pressure on the front-row to deliver a strong performance against Scotland.

With Savea out, serving as hooker and captain, Codie Taylor will lead his side into a massive campaign. Taylor has significant international experience, and his leadership makes him crucial to the All Blacks.

Completing the front row will likely be Ethan de Groot and Asafo Aumua, who will need to fire, especially at set pieces, which New Zealand will likely use to launch attacks.

Second-Row

This is where things could get interesting for Rennie's selection.

Tests against Wales and England follow their encounter in the Scottish capital, and then a play-off match determines their final standing.

With that in mind, Josh Lord, a younger but impactful addition to the starting side, could be a strong choice. He’s shown great promise in recent outings, especially at lineout time, helping secure his side much-needed possession.

You feel like having Lord start against Scotland, and having Fabian Holland or Tupou Vaa’i off the bench would put the All Blacks in good stead.

This means that key player, Scott Barrett, who’s always consistent, should start alongside Lord to form a strong second-row partnership.

Back-row 

Following a breakout year for the All Blacks, Anton Segner should carry his impressive form into this month’s fixtures.

He influences games so positively, and his selection here perhaps reflects his incredibly fast development as a top player for Rennie’s side.

Ethan Blackadder may be the better option to start, but Segner’s recent form just edges him into the starting spot.

Peter Lakai's versatility and strength will be beneficial, and with injuries to Savea and Luke Jacobson (elbow), his inclusion will bolster things considerably.

Lastly, Wallace Sititi should wear the number eight jersey for the remainder of the Nations Championship.

His standout work around the breakdown area and his strength are the perfect counter to Scotland’s physicality.

Predicted All Blacks XV to play Scotland: 15. Beauden Barrett, 14. Reiko Ioane, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 12. Jordie Barrett, 11. Chay Fihaki, 10. Damian McKenzie, 9. Cam Roigard; 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor (C), 3. Asafo Aumua, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Josh Lord, 6. Anton Segner, 7. Peter Lakai, 8. Wallace Sititi

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