By BILL LOTHIAN
To anyone doubting that Scotland mean business at Eden Park there are just two words to be said - Shaun Longstaff.
For many observers last weekend at Carisbrook, where the Scots went down 20-69 in the first match of the two-test series, former Wellington winger Longstaff looked among the handiest of performers in twice coming close to breaching the All Blacks defence.
Up in the stands, though, more discerning eyes decided that coming close is not what this Scotland team are about and so, for all his dash, vigour and considerable skill, Longstaff paid the price in what had, surely, to be one of the toughest calls in recent test history.
It remains to be seen, of course, how the Glasgow Caledonian star's successor, Cameron Murray, fronts up.
But how they make those tough calls is, inevitably, what separates those destined for greatness from the also-rans, and nobody can say that Scotland's management, in making a total of five changes, have not been bold.
Bold or foolhardy? For the Scots to make so many changes is certainly radical in the light of recent selections where continuity has become a by-word.
But certainly some amount of freshening up was essential, if what was Scotland's biggest test defeat in terms of points and tries conceded is to be turned around.
In that respect it is easy to buy into the theory that Scotland are going for broke by drafting centre Graham Shiel, with his exemplary passing abilities, as well as the one-on-one finishing power possessed out wide by both Murray and Craig Joiner, each of whom has notched a try against the All Blacks in past contests.
Up front, the inclusion of Iain Fullarton for the injured Scott Murray was predictable, while few would deny that the consistency shown by new cap Jon Petrie made him a worthy contender in a contest with Ross Beattie for the No 8 jersey.
Having, then, laundered the side, what chance of Scotland taking to the cleaners the All Blacks' proud record in never having lost in meetings between the countries?
Wayne Smith, the All Blacks coach, is wary and, from an albeit Scottish perspective, understandably so.
As Smith acknowledges, just two tests ago Scotland defeated England who have gone on to beat South Africa, who have had their moments, rugby-wise, against New Zealand in recent years.
So what if the unthinkable in the eyes of bookmakers still continuing to offer up odds on the outcome, did occur?
Were that to happen victory might be particularly sweet for one Scottish player in particular. Back in 1996, tighthead prop Barry Stewart came to Eden Park and experienced a test debut.
Surely some misunderstanding had to have occurred but the bottom line was that later in the evening "Bazza" became detached from the No 3 jersey he had earned.
Never one to dwell on the past, Stewart, as he has confirmed on this tour, refocused on ensuring he would return to Eden Park and gain another Scottish jersey.
Today, Barry Stewart honours that pledge. And what if, come fulltime, the jersey just happened to have a black scalp hanging from it?
Well, to many observers back home, nobody in Scottish rugby would deserve it more.
Rugby: Scotland throw caution to the wind with changes
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