Scotland national rugby union team skipper Sione Tuipulotu has issued a rallying call to his side ahead of their meeting with the New Zealand national rugby union team (the All Blacks) at Murrayfield Stadium.
Tuipulotu emphasised that while Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in over 120 years of match-ups (with 30 previous defeats and 2 draws), they have in recent times shown they can challenge them. He said that what matters now is belief—when the players walk out, each one must believe that victory is possible, and collectively they must embrace the magnitude of the occasion: the centenary of Murrayfield hosting Tests, the legacy of those who have worn the jersey before them.
He pointed to close defeats in recent years (for example, a 31-23 loss in 2022) as evidence that Scotland can match New Zealand—what’s needed is the mental strength and readiness to deliver. With an expected crowd of 60,000 at Murrayfield, Tuipulotu remarked that it would be “a damn shame” if they turned out without belief.
Key Takeaways:
- Scotland are facing arguably their toughest challenge: to break a century-old winless streak against the All Blacks.
- Tuipulotu’s message is less about tactics and more about mindset: belief, readiness, and honouring the occasion.
- The atmosphere & history matter: with Murrayfield marking its 100 years of hosting and a large home crowd, the context adds pressure but also opportunity.
- Recent near-misses suggest Scotland aren’t far off; turning that into a win largely depends on execution under pressure.
