Finn Russell: Scotland must turn belief into results against All Blacks

Finn Russell says Scotland have “definitely got the belief” to beat New Zealand, but insists they must finally turn that confidence into a result against the All Blacks.

Gregor Townsend’s side host New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday 7 November, seeking their first victory in a fixture stretching back to 1905. Scotland have drawn twice and lost 31 times in their previous 33 Tests against the visitors.

For Russell, another encouraging performance would leave the central challenge unanswered.

“It’s all very well having the belief, but we need to get the results from that,” he told the BBC Scotland Rugby Podcast.

Kick-off is at 2.10pm GMT. Our Scotland vs New Zealand TV guide has the viewing details.

Finn Russell identifies where Scotland must improve

Russell believes Scotland’s summer performances against Argentina and South Africa showed both their attacking potential and the work still required against the strongest opposition.

Scotland scored seven tries in Cordoba and four in Pretoria, but the fly-half pointed to their ability to finish opportunities inside the opposition 22 as a decisive difference between those matches.

“We actually had more chances, I think, or more entries against South Africa, but the conversion rate was a lot lower, probably half of what we had against Argentina,” he said.

“So, how to capitalise and convert when you get into the 22 is probably the main growth that we need to have.”

That gives Scotland a clear target against New Zealand: make their periods of pressure count.

Scotland vs New Zealand brings a potential milestone for Russell

Russell is poised to reach 100 Test appearances across Scotland and the British and Irish Lions if he plays on Saturday. It would be his 96th Scotland cap, alongside four Lions Tests.

As The Offside Line reports, it would also be his fifth meeting with New Zealand, following defeats in 2014, 2017, 2022 and 2025.

The 34-year-old remains enthusiastic about the challenge and dismissed suggestions that his playing career is nearing its conclusion.

“I’m only 34 – you’d think I’m 44,” he joked.

Russell said the season after a Lions tour can take more out of players mentally, physically and emotionally than people realise, but described himself as feeling fresher this campaign.

All Blacks return after Scotland’s near miss in 2025

Last year’s meeting offers a reminder of how close Scotland have come. They recovered from 17-0 down to draw level at Murrayfield before New Zealand pulled clear to win 25-17.

Scotland lock Scott Cummings believes that recent experience helps the preparation, but said ending the wait would require an “80-minute performance”.

New Zealand bring familiar coaching faces in head coach Dave Rennie and attack coach Mike Blair. Russell knows both from their work in Scottish rugby and expects them to have specific plans for the hosts.

“Knowing them, they’ll have something up their sleeve to attack us and to defend us,” he said.

Blair, meanwhile, made clear how seriously the All Blacks are approaching the fixture: “We’re fully loaded. We’re ready to go.”

The match begins Scotland’s November home programme in the Nations Championship, with Australia and Japan to follow. Read our Scotland vs New Zealand preview for the team news and match assessment.