EDINBURGH - Scotland have given the clearest hint yet that they will field a second-string rugby team against the All Blacks in Monday morning's (NZ time) decisive World Cup pool game at Murrayfield here.
Assistant coach Alan Tait has indicated that several players named tomorrow for the clash
of the unbeaten teams in pool C would have their first outing of the tournament.
The suspicion has always existed that Scotland would raise the white flag against world No 1 New Zealand and rest their best players ahead of the match against Italy six days later. That match at St Etienne is sure to decide the second-placed pool qualifiers for the quarterfinals.
Tait let slip their probable intentions when talking about a perceived advantage the visitors will have in terms of preparation.
"Luckily we're not in the knockout stages yet and we have another pool game after the All Blacks to think about," Tait told The Scotsman newspaper.
"I think New Zealand have had a massive start with the Tri-Nations and the NPC - they have had a lot more games than us.
"Some of our guys on Sunday might be playing their first game since May, so won't have had a lot of rugby and it will be tough on them."
Scotland's likely intentions have sparked a debate in the rugby community here about what are the best tactics.
Former first five-eighth Gregor Townsend this week opined that coach Frank Hadden should select his strongest team against the All Blacks, produce a credible showing and then take that momentum into the Italy clash.
Hadden has been confusing in his comments.
"In this tournament, in my opinion, it's very difficult to talk about a first team," he said.
"What is your first side? It's just the next side. And the next side will be the team that we pick to hopefully get us a result we need on Sunday."
Former Scottish and Lions centre Tait said the All Blacks still presented the same enormous challenge as when he played against them in 1987 and 1999.
"They still question you defensively all the time; they are willing to attack from their own line and keep you thinking for 80 minutes," he said.
"Their forwards are a massive plus for them. They know how to run like backs and how to get quick ball."
- NZPA
