Leicester Fainga'anuku during the All Blacks' match against Ireland in Chicago. Photo: www.photosport.nz
All Blacks v Scotland
Kick-off: 4.10am
Murrayfield, Edinburgh
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
With Jordie Barrett gone for the rest of the end of year tour, is it time for Leicester Fainga'anuku to start in the All Blacks midfield?
The 26-year-old came off the bench to replace Barrett in last week's 26-13 win over Ireland in Chicago and was impressive at centre alongside fellow midfielder Quinn Tupaea, who shifted to second five.
They are both strong runners and play a power game and many pundits would love to see them unleashed as a starting pairing on Scotland.
They also have a long history of playing together.
"We (he and Tupaea) definitely enjoyed our time there over in Chicago and it's definitely something to keep building for the future," Fainga'anuku said.
"Me and Quinn, we've come a long way. We've played age group together obviously with New Zealand in the under 20s and now we're here fortunately with the All Blacks, so we definitely enjoy playing together and we'll take every opportunity we get to be able to represent our country in the midfield."
Leicester Fainga'anuku. Photo: www.photosport.nz
Fainga'anuku played centre against Ireland, but he said he was equally comfortable at second five.
"I don't really mind I'm a pretty cruisey guy. Whatever the job is at, that's where my head's at."
The All Blacks will face a Scottish side celebrating the centenary of the Murrayfield ground.
Fainga'anuku believed they will be tough to beat.
"Every time we've played against them they have been a quality side. You look at the past few test matches and they've been separated by seven points or so.
"They've got a big week this week obviously celebrating 100 years of Murrayfield. It's massive and for us New Zealanders it's cool to be part of the celebration. We're going to definitely cherish it and enjoy the challenge."
Scotland will be seeking their first ever win over the All Blacks in 120 years of trying. Of the 32 tests between the two teams, New Zealand have won 30, with two draws.
Assistant coach Jason Holland said the current All Blacks did not want to be the side that failed to protect that perfect record.
"Any test for the All Blacks, you're massively motivated to make sure you win, but the history and the legacy behind that, those numbers are pretty massive," Holland said.
"We don't want to be part of a team that helps the Scottish break that."
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