All Blacks out to protect unbeaten record against Scotland - Kieran Read

All Blacks captain Kieran Read is wary about protecting their unbeaten record against Scotland at Murrayfield on Sunday morning (NZ time).

In 30 matches between the two nations, the All Blacks have won 28, while  the other two ended in draws in 1964 and 1983.

It has been three years since the All Blacks and Scotland went into battle and in their last encounter, New Zealand scraped past 24-16 thanks to a late try from Jeremy Thrush.

Speaking to the media at the captains run, Read said his side have to be ruthless and disciplined if they want to maintain that unbeaten record against the sixth-ranked side in the world.

"We always want to be a ruthless side and put teams away, but Test matches aren't supposed to be easy," said Read.

We've got to be disciplined and stick to our game-plan for the full 80, and if we do that we give ourselves a good chance of winning.

"If can perform a lot better than, say, the second half of last week I'd certainly be happy."

Murrayfield is a special place for the 32-year-old, who made his All Blacks debut at the stadium in 2008.

Nine years and 108 tests later, Read can't wait to lead his troops out onto the field in front of sell-out crowd of 67,000 fans.

"This is great ground to play at, and I've got fond memories after my debut Test was here.

"I love this ground, the people and the atmosphere, and I love getting piped into the ground

"I remember trying to not fall over because it was pitch black when I ran out, and it wasn't going to be a good look on the first Test. It went pretty quick, and I was pretty excited."

The All Blacks are at near-full strength for the match, while Scotland is without 13 first choice players due to injury or suspension including captain Greig Laidlaw.

Despite that, Read is expecting a tough challenge from the Scots, who want to prove they are capable of competing against the best in the world.

"I certainly respect them. How they got through the World Cup in '15 was impressive, and over the last couple of years, they probably haven't got the placings they deserve.  But they play an attacking brand of footy and got a win against Aussie, so they're right up there."

"They're willing to throw the ball around, an attacking team, but certainly mixing that up with a solid forward pack as well," "I'm sure they'll throw everything at us tomorrow."

Newshub.