VERN COTTER HAS called on Scotland to force New Zealand into mistakes when they chase history at Murrayfield tomorrow.
Scotland welcome the world champions to Edinburgh for their second November international seeking a first victory over the All Blacks.
Cotter is well aware that to beat Steve Hansen’s men will require every member of his squad to reach their full potential. But, having seen his side run in five tries in last weekend’s 41-31 victory over Argentina, he is convinced an upset could be on the cards against the country of his birth.
“We showed last weekend that we’re developing an attack that can cause opposition teams problems,” he said. ”If we can force the All Blacks into making errors then we can give ourselves a chance.
“But we do know that we’re coming up against a very aggressive defence and a very strong attack.
“They are relentless and probably improve during the game.”
Unsurprisingly, Cotter has opted to name the same starting XV that defeated the Pumas, although he makes four changes to his bench.
Glasgow Warriors forwards Fraser Brown and Tim Swinson take the place of Scott Lawson and Jim Hamilton, while Alasdair Strokosch and the injured Henry Pyrgos drop out for Johnnie Beattie and Chris Cusiter.
New Zealand start the Test as overwhelming favourites having rallied from a 14-11 half-time deficit to beat England 24-21 at Twickenham last weekend.
However, Hansen warned his team that any complacency could result in them going down in history as the first New Zealand side to lose to Scotland.
“This is very much a game we could lose, so we are going to have to keep our feet on the floor and prepare very well as always,” he said.
“Over the last few years Scotland have managed to beat South Africa and Australia.
“And we all know if you keep someone in the game long enough they will grow an extra arm and a leg and be very hard to beat.”
Hansen welcomes world-record points scorer Dan Carter into the side for what will be his first Test start in 12 months due to a combination of a six-month sabbatical and a broken leg.
The 32-year-old fly-half is one of several changes for New Zealand, with James Parsons set to make his debut at hooker.
The likes of Kieran Read, Israel Dagg, Aaron Smith and Jerome Kaino are rested from the squad altogether, while Sonny-Bill Williams and IRB World Rugby Player of the Year nominee Julian Savea are among the replacements.
