Kiwi-born former Scotland international Sean Maitland has joined a growing list of pundits saying that this weekend’s Test is Scotland’s best chance yet to claim a maiden win over the All Blacks.
Aiding the former Crusader’s confidence is a big selection call on the left wing, where Kyle Steyn has replaced Lions powerhouse Duhan van der Merwe. Steyn joins Darcy Graham and Blair Kinghorn as Scotland’s outside backs.
The trio are tasked with completing a star-studded Scotland backline, with Finn Russell and Sione Tuipulotu sure to draw plenty of attention in the centre field. Maitland, who played just a few Tests at fullback in his international career, was full of praise for Kinghorn in particular.
“Mate, he’s world-class,” the 37-year-old told Sport Nation. “He’s six-foot-four, six-foot-five, he’s good in the air, he’s got a massive cannon for a right boot, and he’s obviously on form. He’s probably one of the top fullbacks in the world at the moment.
“Two years ago, he was at Edinburgh, and he got the magic call from Toulouse of all clubs, saying haere mai (welcome).
“You should see what he’s done in the last two years. Obviously, he was the starting fullback after (Stuart) Hogg left, and he’s taken the 15 jersey with both hands. He can play on the wing; his best position is definitely fullback. He was the starting Lions 15; he’s a (work) horse.
“He’s got his wingers; a big call with Duhan (Van der Merwe) not even making the team, but I rate that. I think Kyle Steyn’s a classy operator, and Darcy Graham is a different kind of winger. So that relationship between that back three, they work well.
“I’d say Darcy was unlucky not to make the Lions’ initial squad. I thought he should have made it instead of Duhan. It’s a big call, he’s obviously a fan favourite, Duhan. He scores a lot of tries, a shitload of tries. He’s a try-scoring machine.
“But Kyle Steyn, he’s a classy operator, he’s solid under the high ball. Thank the lord this (escort) rule didn’t come in when we were playing. It’s a 50/50 contest now, isn’t it?”
Maitland went on to explain why Scotland’s backline has the side so well-placed for a historic upset.
“What’s Scotland’s DNA at the moment? They’re throwing the ball around, they’re playing wide, Finn’s throwing these long seeds. He’s a smart player. Everyone says he’s a bit of a Maverick, but over the last three or four years, his control of a game has grown, and he’s one of the best 10s in the world.
“So, his plan A is throwing the ball around, playing with speed. But he’s a smart player, and when it’s on to kick, he’ll know what to do.
“In terms of the kicking game, you’ve got Darcy, who’s probably not the best in the air, but he does get up, he does try and make himself a nuisance. But you’ve got Blair, you’ve got Kyle Steyn, so we’ll see.”
Summarising Scotland’s chances against the Kiwis, while Maitland recognised the opportunity for a Scottish win, he also recognised some roadblocks that could be the team’s undoing.
“I think it’s definitely the best chance the boys have got. The stars have got to align; they’ve got to play for 80 minutes, obviously. I’ve just looked at the team now, and I’m looking at the backline, and oh my gosh, that is tasty.
“The only thing that worries me is that forward pack, but I think the chances are good. I’m hoping we can finally get that win over the All Blacks, after 120 years of pain. It’s a big occasion for the country, for the union, for the 100 years at Murrayfield, they’ve obviously got a special jersey. It’s going to be big, so hopefully we can do it.”
