Can Townsend Lead Scotland to Upset the All Blacks After US Victory?

Scotland's rugby team achieved a historic milestone by securing an emphatic 85-0 victory over the United States at Murrayfield, marking their largest win in a century. This performance has sparked newfound confidence among the players, with head coach Gregor Townsend asserting that they believe they can finally conquer New Zealand, a team they have never defeated in 32 previous encounters.

Last updated: 01 November 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Scotland's stunning win against the United States has set the stage for an eagerly anticipated clash with the All Blacks this Saturday in Edinburgh. With this record victory, the team not only showcased their attacking prowess, scoring 13 tries, but also displayed a level of cohesion and discipline that bodes well for their upcoming challenge. The players are now filled with optimism about breaking their long-standing losing streak against New Zealand.

Key takeaways

Scotland achieved their biggest win in 100 years with an 85-0 score against the USA.
Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie both scored hat-tricks in the match.
The upcoming match against New Zealand is highly anticipated and sold out.

Timeline: how we got here

Scotland's historic victory over the USA on 28 October 2023 comes after a series of closely contested matches against New Zealand in recent years, including:

2022: Scotland lost by 8 points.
2017: Scotland lost by 5 points.
2014: Scotland lost by 8 points.

This record win serves as a significant confidence booster as they prepare for their 33rd attempt at defeating the All Blacks on 4 November 2023.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

The standout performance against the USA has given Scotland a morale boost, with players demonstrating impressive skills, particularly Graham and Dobie. The team's cohesion, even with key players absent due to the match falling outside the official Test window, suggests a growing depth in the squad.

What was already established

Scotland has a history of close matches against New Zealand but has yet to secure a win. The team's previous encounters have often highlighted their potential but have also revealed gaps in execution during critical moments.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding Scotland's rugby team can uplift national morale, promoting community engagement and support for local events. Victory over New Zealand would further enhance public interest in rugby and associated local businesses.

Businesses and jobs

Success in the upcoming match could lead to increased attendance in local pubs and venues, boosting sales and potentially creating temporary job opportunities in hospitality sectors during the autumn international series.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Rugby Union may see increased support and sponsorship opportunities if Scotland performs well against high-profile teams like New Zealand, impacting future funding and development initiatives in Scottish rugby.

Numbers that matter

85: The number of points scored by Scotland against the USA.
0: The points conceded, indicating a strong defensive performance.
13: Total tries scored by the Scots in the match, a record for Murrayfield.
50: The number of caps celebrated by Duhan Van der Merwe, who scored two tries.
33: The number of matches Scotland has played against New Zealand without a win.

Definitions and jargon buster

Murrayfield: The national rugby stadium of Scotland, located in Edinburgh.
Hat-trick: Scoring three goals or tries in a single match by a player.
Test match: An official match between international teams recognized by rugby's governing bodies.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Scotland's focus will be on preparing for the match against New Zealand. This includes refining strategies, enhancing player fitness, and building team cohesion in training sessions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Success against New Zealand could lead to increased confidence in future matches, influencing selections for the Six Nations and beyond. Continued development of younger players may also be emphasised.

Signals to watch

Attendance and ticket sales for upcoming matches, particularly against high-profile opponents.
Performance metrics from the match against New Zealand, including possession, tackles made, and errors.
Injuries or fitness levels of key players leading into critical matches.

Practical guidance

Do

Attend local matches to support grassroots rugby development.
Engage with community events that promote rugby culture.
Follow the team’s progress and provide support through social media.

Don’t

Overlook the importance of team cohesion in performance.
Assume that past results will dictate future outcomes against New Zealand.
Neglect to support local businesses during the rugby season.

Checklist

Keep track of player fitness updates before matches.
Monitor media coverage for insights into team strategies.
Consider attending watch parties to engage with fellow fans.
Stay updated on ticket sales for future matches.
Encourage discussions about rugby in community forums.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Scotland's recent performance is promising, the unpredictability of sport means that confidence must be balanced with caution. The All Blacks are a formidable opponent, and the outcome may hinge on various factors, including player fitness and tactical execution on the day of the match.

Bottom line

Scotland's record victory against the USA has revitalised hopes of achieving a historic win against New Zealand. As the team prepares for this high-stakes match, their recent form and newfound confidence could prove pivotal in finally overcoming their longstanding challenge.

FAQs

What was Scotland's biggest win in rugby history?

Scotland's biggest win in rugby history occurred on 28 October 2023, when they defeated the USA 85-0 at Murrayfield.

How many times has Scotland played New Zealand?

Scotland has faced New Zealand 32 times and has yet to secure a victory against them.

Who were the standout players in Scotland's recent match?

Darcy Graham and Jamie Dobie both scored hat-tricks, while Duhan Van der Merwe celebrated his 50th cap with two tries.