Gregor Townsend admits he never believed Scotland could topple New Zealand as a player, but as head coach he is hunting a first-ever victory.
Scotland have never beaten the All Blacks, and head coach Gregor Townsend wants to be the man who ends that wait. The long run without a win, broken only by a famous 25-25 draw in 1983, hangs over every meeting between these sides.
Townsend knows the feeling from both sides of the touchline. As a player, he has said, he never truly felt Scotland could get the better of New Zealand. As a coach, the mindset has shifted. He now builds his squad around the belief that a historic result is within reach, and that belief starts with preparation.
One key area is the aerial battle. The All Blacks are relentless in contesting kicks, and Scotland have been looking to Australia for help in sharpening their approach to the high ball. Winning those contests, and defending the skies cleanly, can decide whether a side gets a platform or gets pinned back.
For Scotland, this is about more than one result. A first win over New Zealand would be a landmark for Townsend's tenure and a statement for Scottish rugby. The scale of the task is clear, but so is the ambition.
