Why Scotland's clash with the All Blacks is 'different' this time

Scott Cummings believes Scotland are equipped to banish their All Blacks hoodoo at Murrayfield on Saturday after going agonisingly close last year.

The Scots have never beaten New Zealand in 33 attempts over the past 121 years, but they are buoyed memories of 12 months ago when they roared back from 17-0 down to level their showpiece November Test at 17-17 heading into the final quarter.

Gregor Townsend’s side looked the likelier winners before the All Blacks weathered the storm and eked out a 25-17 victory through a late Damian McKenzie try.

Second-rower Cummings feels that match will give Scotland “loads” of belief for their Nations Championship rematch, but he knows they cannot afford to allow the visitors – buoyed by back-to-back wins over Australia last month – to seize command of the scoreboard the way they did a year ago.

“It’s obviously an exciting occasion getting to play the All Blacks,” said Cummings.

“The build-up probably feels a bit different this time because the last couple of times we’ve played them it’s been three or four years (since the previous meeting) but we got to play them last year, so we know what to expect from them.

“Obviously they’re a quality outfit and we know we need to be at our best on the day to beat them. I believe we can do that.

“The way that we started that game a year ago probably wasn’t our best rugby in the first half. We obviously showed a lot more of it and how we want to play in the second half. So to beat them it’ll take the 80-minute performance.”

Cummings played under current New Zealand coach Dave Rennie when he was in charge of Glasgow between 2017 and 2020.

“It’s obviously great for him,” he said of seeing his former boss in charge of the All Blacks. “He’s a real quality coach. He had a massive focus on attacking rugby and that fitted with how we played at Glasgow.

“I really enjoyed my time with him and I’m happy to see he’s gone on to higher honours. He’ll know some of our players, we’ll know some things about him, but a lot has changed, the game has changed a bit since he was coaching us.

“But it’ll be exciting to see him and play against his team.”

Cummings, 29, feels his game is in a good place as he prepares to win his 53rd cap this weekend.

“I’m loving it, I feel like I’m playing some of my better rugby,” said the 2025 British and Irish Lions tourist.

“I feel like my game’s probably changed over the years, having to be a lineout caller and deal with a lot of set-piece focused stuff, but I’m relishing all that as well.

“I’m really enjoying my rugby just now. I’m loving my time at Glasgow, loving my time with Scotland, so I couldn’t be happier.”