Preview to Scotland vs ABs

Experimentation and development will go back on top of the agenda this week when the All Blacks head to Edinburgh.

There is no question the All Blacks will treat the fixture with respect. But the Scots aren't in a great place right now so the selectors will most probably give some game time to those who have not yet had much of a trot.

That means we can expect to see the much-talked-about Isaia Toe'ava. We might see him at fullback, maybe first-five, or possibly at 12 or 13.

Probably no one really cares, we just want to see him. We have heard about this phenomenal talent who has impressed further with his work ethic and approach on tour. We now need to see a bit of action. We have to get a sense of what he is about and whether there really is magic in his boots.

"Isaia will potentially play," said assistant coach Wayne Smith. "We would like to think that everyone will get a game on tour. All but one has had a bit of a trot on tour. There is a lot of trust within our squad. There is no reason not to have trust in these players so it gives us a lot of options.

"He'll be involved, I would imagine. He's a young man. We brought him for a reason. We think he is going to be an exceptional footballer. If it is really in his interests to play, then he will play. He knows why he is here. He is working hard on aspects of his game."

Though while many in New Zealand will be taking a victory for granted, that view will not be allowed to infiltrate the camp. Just because the All Blacks will likely field what could kindly be described as their most experimental XV, that doesn't mean to say the test will not be taken seriously.

Helping in that regard will be the fact that so many players will have points to prove and this game will be their opportunity to impress.

Jimmy Cowan, Andrew Hore, Angus MacDonald, Saimone Taumeopeau and Toe'ava are all likely to make their first starts on tour. While others such as Chris Masoe, James Ryan, Conrad Smith and Neemia Tialata will want to continue where they left off in Cardiff.

"We respect all the opponents we play," said Smith. "We don't want to discredit anyone by thinking too far ahead. These are genuine test matches. We have got to show respect and prepare for each of them."

Besides, while the Scots are not setting the world on fire, they do boast a handful of decent players who could cause problems if there is complacency in New Zealand's ranks.

The back row will feature two British Lions in Simon Taylor and captain Jason White, with Ally Hogg considered unfortunate - or maybe now he would see himself as fortunate - not to have made Sir Clive's 138-man squad.

Scott Murray is a seasoned lock who still has athleticism and nous at the lineout to make a nuisance of himself.

Halfback Chris Cusiter showed himself to be a competitive and skilled performer when he toured with the Lions earlier in the year and Cowan will be pushed to his limits keeping the Scot at bay.

But with all due respect, New Zealand have reason to feel confident going into the game, even with a young and inexperienced team.

They will have too much pace and power out wide, where Joe Rokocoko and Rico Gear will be slightly anxious to prove a point.

Regardless of the chosen midfield combination, the All Blacks will carry a massive weight, power, vision and skill advantage.

Scotland have pulled off upsets at Murrayfield in the past, most notably in 1990 and 2000 when on both occasions they denied England Grand Slams.

It will, however, be the mother of all shocks if they somehow claw their way to victory this Sunday.

- HERALD ON SUNDAY