Gregor Townsend aiming to finally deliver historic first Scotland victory over New Zealand - 'We've raised level of expectation'
By Tom Masters
Updated 06/11/2025 at 12:05 GMT
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Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend has taken on new ideas and fresh plans from spending time with Australian Football League side Collingwood in the summer, as well as key players being on the British & Irish Lions Tour. But can Scotland finally overcome New Zealand in the Quilter Nations Series? The two sides have met on 32 occasions in the last 120 years, with the All Blacks never losing.
'You're up against one of the best' - Scotland 'motivated' for New Zealand QNS clash - Townsend
Video credit: TNT Sports
This is a "big one" for Scotland.
After starting their Quilter Nations Series with a 13-try 85-0 romp over the USA at Murrayfield, Gregor Townsend's side face a significant step up in opponent this Saturday as they take on New Zealand.
The two sides have met 32 times in the last 120 years, and Scotland have never managed to win.
They have come close in each of their last three matches against New Zealand, though, losing by eight points in 2014 and 2022, and by just five in 2017.
That has given great encouragement to Townsend and the Scotland players that 2025 could be the year they finally get one over on the All Blacks, with the game live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
"I think the occasion, playing at home at Murrayfield is always a big one," Townsend told TNT Sports.
"There are times as you get into the build-up of the game, you do feel like you are a supporter looking forward to the way the team is going to go out and play.
"As a coach, you know you are up against one of the best teams. We have only played them twice in the last eight seasons, so we don’t get to play them very often. We have had those two close defeats as well, so that does motivate you.
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'It has to be a good thing' - Townsend on selection headache after USA thumping
Video credit: TNT Sports
"They [the players] will be challenged this week, challenged a lot more than they were last week, but that is when you get the best out of our group."
With several key players away on the British & Irish Lions tour to Australia, Townsend took a young squad for three matches against New Zealand Maori, Fiji and Samoa in the summer.
An impressive win against the Maori All Blacks may be a sign of things to come, though they were beaten 29-14 by Fiji, before a comprehensive 41-12 win over Samoa.
Townsend's summer also included spending time with AFL side Collingwood. A combination of that, and key players such as Finn Russell and captain Sione Tuipulotu being on the Lions tour, has given Townsend some fresh perspectives.
"I find it really energising to visit other organisations, other environments. I haven’t done it as often over the last couple of years as I have done it in previous seasons," said Townsend.
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"I got a real buzz at having a long time with Collingwood, they are a brilliant learning environment, really connected, they coach well.
"A couple of things we have picked up just to add to our environment, but also just having that process of discussing: these are things I learnt, can we do things differently, or can we add to our environment?
"I feel like that is what we should be doing, learning from the best, knowing what works for us and just trying to add a layer every campaign to be better off the field."
Ireland famously earned their first-ever win over New Zealand in Chicago in 2016, having come very close on two occasions in the three years before.
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Highlights: Sensational Scotland score 13 unanswered tries in convincing win against USA
Video credit: TNT Sports
Scotland fans feel it is their time to end their barren run over the world No. 2 side and Townsend is delighted to have the supporters on board for the ride.
"We have definitely raised the level of expectation with this group, from what they are capable of doing and what they have done," the Scotland head coach added.
"I feel a real connection with our supporters and the team, and you see that before games, a couple of hours before games, you see it during games, and you see it after defeats too.
"If our team performs well and represents the country well - like the game against South Africa this time last year, while we lost, the supporters knew the game was much closer than the scoreline suggested. We had opportunities to win, and they saw a Scotland team they were proud of.
"So I think we have got that connection and I hope they are optimistic going into the game, they believe in our players, they believe in our team, and we do as well.
"We feel we can take on any team in the world, and we are now going to be playing one of the best teams in history - and certainly on the weekend’s form, they are one of the best teams in the world right now."
Watch and stream every game of the Quilter Nations Series live on TNT Sports and discovery+
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