Can Scotland Finally Defeat New Zealand?

Scotland's impressive 85-0 victory over the USA at Murrayfield sets the stage for their upcoming clash against the All Blacks, where they will hope to break a 120-year winless streak. With standout performances from Jamie Dobie and Darcy Graham, who each scored three tries, the Scots demonstrated their attacking prowess. The upcoming match against New Zealand, however, poses a significant challenge, especially given Scotland's historical struggles against this formidable opponent.

Last updated: 03 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Scotland has just delivered a resounding win over the USA, indicating a strong form heading into their next match against the All Blacks. This match is particularly significant as it marks the first encounter between the two teams in three years, and Scotland aims to change their historical record of 30 defeats and two draws against New Zealand. The squad's confidence is buoyed by recent performances, but the challenge ahead remains immense, especially after New Zealand's recent win over Ireland, despite a less-than-stellar performance.

Key takeaways

Scotland's 85-0 victory over the USA showcases their attacking potential.
Jamie Dobie and Darcy Graham each scored three tries, indicating their readiness for tougher competition.
The upcoming match against New Zealand is a historic opportunity for Scotland to secure their first win against the All Blacks.

Timeline: how we got here

The trajectory leading to Scotland's upcoming match against New Zealand includes several key moments:

2020: Scotland's last match against New Zealand concluded with a 22-17 defeat, highlighting their near misses.
2021: The All Blacks defeated Scotland again, with a particularly painful loss after Scotland had led the match.
2023, 30 September: Scotland routs the USA 85-0 at Murrayfield, a significant morale boost ahead of the All Blacks clash.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Scotland's recent convincing win against the USA demonstrates their attacking capabilities, while injuries to key All Blacks players, such as Scott and Jordie Barrett, could influence the upcoming match. These factors could provide Scotland with an unexpected advantage.

What was already established

Historically, Scotland has struggled against New Zealand, with 30 defeats and two draws. Past encounters highlight Scotland's near misses and the need for composure under pressure against a high-calibre opponent.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The excitement surrounding the match is palpable, with many fans likely to gather at pubs and venues to watch the game, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Local economies may benefit from increased patronage during the match.

Businesses and jobs

For businesses, particularly those in hospitality and retail, the match against the All Blacks presents an opportunity to boost sales and engage with customers. The anticipation of a potential upset could also invigorate interest in Scottish rugby merchandise.

Policy and regulation

The Scottish Rugby Union has been keen to promote the national team and boost attendance at matches, and a successful performance against New Zealand could enhance support for rugby in the country. Upcoming consultations and community events could be expected to rally support for the sport.

Numbers that matter

85: Scotland's points scored against the USA, marking their largest victory margin at Murrayfield.
30: The number of defeats Scotland has faced against New Zealand without a win.
120: Years since Scotland last won against the All Blacks, highlighting the historical context of the upcoming match.

Definitions and jargon buster

All Blacks: The national rugby team of New Zealand, renowned for their skill and success.
Scotland Rugby Union: The governing body for rugby union in Scotland.
Murrayfield: The largest stadium in Scotland, home to the Scottish national rugby team.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

With the match against New Zealand approaching, Scotland must finalise their team selection, particularly in key positions where injuries may affect performance.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Regardless of the outcome against New Zealand, Scotland will need to build on recent performances and prepare for future competitions, maintaining momentum in player development and team cohesion.

Signals to watch

Injury updates on key players such as Scott and Jordie Barrett from the All Blacks.
Scotland's team selection leading up to the match.
Fan and media reactions to pre-match predictions and analyses.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on player injury reports to gauge potential impacts on team performance.
Engage with local events and promotions related to the match.
Support the team by wearing national colours and participating in fan activities.

Don’t

Assume Scotland will replicate their performance against the USA against a stronger opponent.
Overlook the significance of historical context; past defeats against New Zealand can affect team morale.
Miss opportunities to enjoy the match with friends and family, enhancing the communal experience.

Checklist

Check local listings for viewing parties or pub events for the match.
Gather with friends to discuss team strategies and predictions.
Prepare to support the team emotionally, regardless of the match outcome.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Scotland's recent performance is promising, the unpredictability of sports means that anything can happen in a match against a team as established as the All Blacks. Additionally, injuries to key players on either side can drastically change the dynamics of the game. Historical trends suggest that Scotland must remain disciplined and focused to avoid repeating past mistakes.

Bottom line

The upcoming match against New Zealand is a pivotal moment for Scotland, presenting both a challenge and an opportunity to rewrite history. A win would not only boost morale but could also reshape the narrative surrounding Scottish rugby. With strong performances against the USA under their belt, Scotland has a chance to showcase their growth and resilience.

FAQs

What are Scotland's historical results against New Zealand?

Scotland has faced New Zealand 32 times, with 30 losses and 2 draws. They have yet to secure a victory against the All Blacks.

Who were the standout players in Scotland's win over the USA?

Jamie Dobie and Darcy Graham each scored three tries, significantly contributing to Scotland's 85-0 victory against the USA.

What should fans expect from the upcoming match against the All Blacks?

Fans can expect a highly competitive match, with Scotland hoping to capitalise on their recent form while facing a historically formidable opponent in New Zealand.