Simon Parker has been dropped from the All Blacks squad to face Scotland with Scott Robertson making three changes to his side for Saturday’s clash.
The back-rower had become a mainstay in that blindside position after making his debut as a number eight against Argentina in the Rugby Championship, but he has struggled to stand out over recent matches.
Parker therefore makes way for Chiefs team-mate Wallace Sititi, who comes into the loose trio as a six alongside Peter Lakai and captain Ardie Savea.
Sititi has been seen as the long-term eight for the All Blacks, but blindside was the role he impressed in during his breakthrough year in 2024.
The 23-year-old therefore returns to that position for the Scotland encounter with New Zealand looking to maintain their unbeaten record against the hosts while also staying on course for a Grand Slam.
“We are honoured to be part of the 100th anniversary of rugby at Murrayfield, it will be a special occasion. We have a proud history with Scotland and recent games between us have been close. We have named the best team to reflect the challenge we know Scotland will present,” Robertson said.
Two enforced changes
The inclusion of Sititi is the only tactical selection from the head coach as Leicester Fainga’anuku and Josh Lord come into the XV due to injury.
Both impressed off the bench in the Chicago clash against Ireland following the withdrawal of two of the Barrett brothers, Jordie and captain Scott.
Savea takes over the leadership role in the skipper’s absence while there is still one Barrett remaining in the team thanks to fly-half Beauden.
He partners Cam Roigard at half-back with Quinn Tupaea taking Jordie’s slot in the number 12 jersey – the Chiefs star’s favoured position.
That has allowed Fainga’anuku to come in at centre and combine with Tupaea in the midfield, while Will Jordan, Leroy Carter and Caleb Clarke are once again the back three.
Up front, it is a relatively callow lock partnership with Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu and Tupou Vaa’i being out, but Fabian Holland and Lord shone as a duo in Chicago.
Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor and Ethan de Groot once again the complete the XV after retaining their places in the front-row.
That means Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams and Pasilio Tosi will provide a big impact off the bench, with Sam Darry and Du’Plessis Kirifi the other forward cover.
Cortez Ratima and Damian McKenzie are once again among the replacements but they have been joined by Billy Proctor, who gets in ahead of Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown.
All Blacks team to face Scotland
All Blacks: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Leicester Fainga’anuku, 12 Quinn Tupaea, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Ardie Savea (c), 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Billy Proctor, 23 Damian McKenzie
Date: Saturday, November 8
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Kick-off: 15:10 GMT (04:10 Sunday NZDT)
Referee: Nic Berry (RA)
Assistant referees: Pierre Brousset (FFR), Morné Ferreira (SARU)
TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen (SARU)
FPRO: Marius Jonker (SARU)