Shock Rugby Clash! Scotland Takes on Māori All Blacks - Who Will Triumph?
Get ready for a high-octane rugby showdown as Scotland faces the formidable Māori All Blacks in their Pacific tour opener! Glasgow Warriors centre Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland, a role he previously held against Portugal in November. He also featured prominently in the Six Nations, stepping up in the absence of the injured Sione Tuipulotu.
Key Players to Watch
Alongside McDowall, George Horne, also from Glasgow Warriors, will serve as one of the two vice-captains, starting at scrum-half. Bath back-row Josh Bayliss is the other vice-captain. Horne brings valuable experience to the squad, boasting 36 caps, making him the most seasoned player in Gregor Townsend's starting XV. However, it's important to note that this match in Whangarei is not an official Test match.
Adam Hastings will take the fly-half position, with Northampton Saints centre Rory Hutchinson playing outside McDowall. Hutchinson's inclusion came after an injury sidelined Edinburgh's Matt Currie.
Scotland's Lineup
Here's a look at the Scotland XV:
- Smith
- Paterson
- Hutchinson
- McDowall (c)
- Reed
- Hastings
- Horne
- McBeth
- Harrison
- Richardson
- Sykes
- Henderson
- Bayliss
- Onyeama-Christie
- Muncaster
Replacements include Turner, Hepburn, Hurd, Williamson, Brown, Masibaka, Burke, and Dobie.
Māori All Blacks: A Force to Be Reckoned With
The Māori All Blacks are known for their physicality and skill, particularly in the contact area. As Townsend notes, they possess talented players, especially in the backs, who excel in expressing themselves. Their recent 53-20 victory over a Japan XV demonstrates their attacking prowess.
Don't miss this exciting clash between Scotland and the Māori All Blacks! It promises to be a thrilling display of rugby talent and determination.