Dave Rennie opts for conservative All Blacks selection vs Scotland

Following the announcement of the All Blacks team to face Scotland in the Nations Championship clash on Saturday, head coach Dave Rennie has opted for a conservative selection approach that rewards recent form while leaving high-profile names on the sidelines, Planet Rugby reported.

Fabian Holland Retains Engine Room Spot While Josh Lord Misses Out

Fabian Holland has fended off the challenge of Josh Lord to secure his second Test start in the second row alongside Scott Barrett. Holland spent a brief period out of the team due to work-ons requested by the coaching staff. After winning the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year award in 2025, the lock now looks to cement his test status during the November fixtures. Meanwhile, Josh Lord missed the second Wallabies Test through injury and now faces an uphill battle to regain a regular spot in the 23-man matchday squad.

In the loose forwards, Wallace Sititi retains his starting role. Rennie has substituted Sititi shortly after the 50-minute mark in both Bledisloe Cup encounters, which creates uncertainty about his playing duration at Murrayfield. The biggest surprise on the bench comes in the form of Crusaders back-row Christian Lio-Willie. Lio-Willie was not even included in the wider training group under Rennie earlier, yet he has leapfrogged Ethan Blackadder, Leicester Fainga’anuku, and Jamie Hannah into the number 19 jersey. This selection allows Tupou Vaa’i to start at blindside flanker with Lio-Willie providing impact as an extra loose forward replacement.

Beauden Barrett Retains Playmaker Role Alongside Damian McKenzie

Beauden Barrett continues in the dual playmaker axis at 10 and 15 alongside Damian McKenzie. The 35-year-old capitalized on injuries to force his way back up the selection hierarchy. This configuration allows Rennie to bypass the prospect of moving Will Jordan to full-back. Consequently, Richie Mo’unga and Ruben Love face mounting pressure, with Mo’unga potentially sidelined from Test contention until 2027 if the current axis thrives against Scotland.

In the centers, Highlanders powerhouse Timoci Tavatavanawai keeps his place in the matchday 23 following his start against the Wallabies. Tavatavanawai held his ground despite the return of 29-year-old Jordie Barrett. Josh Moorby also retains the left wing position after showing improved kick receipt during the second Bledisloe Cup clash, edging out Fehi Fineanganofo who targets the subsequent fixture against Wales.

Disclaimer: The Insights Provided in This Artic

Dave Rennie resisted the temptation to immediately insert Leicester Fainga’anuku into the matchday squad. Planet Rugby noted that omitting Fainga’anuku—who covers both flanker and the outside backs—was a conservative decision, though Rennie opted to give him another week in training first. Xavier Numia drops out to make way for the returning Ethan de Groot and is currently seen as the third choice alongside George Bower. At scrum-half, Cortez Ratima continues as the primary reserve behind Cam Roigard, maintaining continuity ahead of Kyle Preston.

Disclaimer: The insights provided in this article are for informational and entertainment purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or sports betting recommendations.