Overview
- Scotland named a full-strength starting XV on Thursday, recalling Finn Russell, Huw Jones and captain Sione Tuipulotu as they pursue a first-ever win over New Zealand after 33 Tests without victory.
- New Zealand made five changes to their matchday 23 with Ethan de Groot restored at loosehead and Jordie Barrett back at inside centre for the Murrayfield game.
- The All Blacks will wear a white jersey with a poppy and black armbands at Murrayfield to mark Armistice Day and to honour All Blacks head of security Logan Cadwallader, who died in Edinburgh earlier this week.
- Wales picked a physically large centre pairing of Eddie James and Max Llewellyn and named a record nine England-based starters for their match with Japan, reflecting changed eligibility rules and selection practice.
- Ireland’s Andy Farrell prioritised competition by starting Craig Casey over Jamison Gibson-Park and made multiple changes to build depth ahead of the Nations Championship finals and the 2027 World Cup cycle, while cross-code moves such as Angus Crichton’s signing with the NSW Waratahs underline growing club-to-country links.