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Scotland make two changes for All Blacks Test

Gregor Townsend is hoping to lead Scotland to their first ever win over the All Blacks. Ian Rutherford/PA Wire/PA Images

Scotland have been forced into two changes for their Saturday clash against New Zealand at Murrayfield.

The Dark Blues have never beaten the All Blacks in the 112-year history of the fixture and, following their 44-38 win over Samoa last week, head coach Gregor Townsend has seen two of his charges ruled out through injury.

Forwards WP Nel and Ryan Wilson will both miss the encounter, with Zander Fagerson and Cornell du Preez promoted from the replacements bench; Du Preez makes his first start for Scotland.

Simon Berghan and uncapped Luke Hamilton have been named on the bench alongside lock Grant Gilchrist, who comes in for the injured Tim Swinson. Byron McGuigan is set to win his first cap, coming in for Chris Harris as a replacement.

Townsend said: "The players are looking forward to getting back out on the pitch after last weekend's high-scoring match against Samoa, which highlighted a few areas we've sought to improve this week at training.

"The task of facing New Zealand is one of the biggest challenges in sport and one that our players relish. They have been in brilliant form this season and continue to set very high standards whenever they play."

Scotland team to face New Zealand:

Hogg, H. Jones, Dunbar, L. Jones, Russell, Price; Marfo, McInally, Fagerson. Toolis, Gray, Barclay (captain), Watson, Du Preez.

Replacements: Turner, Bhatti, Berghan, Gilchrist, Hamilton, Pyrgos, Horne, McGuigan.