Scotland a massive challenge - All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock

  • 17/11/2017

Lock Sam Whitelock expects Scotland to ask questions of the All Blacks defence, after the impressive strides they have made in recent years.

New Zealand have yet to taste defeat against the Scots, but Whitelock believes they pose a legitimate threat to that unbeaten record.

"It's going to be a massive challenge," he said.

"They've really improved over the last few years and it's been really encouraging to see the way they use the ball.

"They love attacking and we love doing the same, so I'm sure both teams will get out there and give it a great go, use the ball, and hopefully we see some attacking rugby."

The 94-Test international hopes the All Blacks can emulate the performance of the inexperienced New Zealand side that beat a French XV two days ago.

"Full credit to the guys that got out there," Whitelock said.

"They started really well and they adjusted when they had to, when there were different things thrown at them.

"Defensively, they had an amazing game, they got off the line, put in some big shots, turned the ball over and scored tries through getting those turnovers.

"That's something we have got to do this Saturday. We've got to take some of their learnings, and just seeing the energy, and the desperation for them to get back and help out their mates was awesome.

"I know, for myself, I want to get out there and hopefully do the same."

Whitelock was also impressed with brother Luke's outing, as the No. 8 captained the side, four years after debuting in the black jumper.

"Pretty biased, as all brothers would be, but he was great all week," Whitelock said.

"He was probably a little bit nervous, playing against the All Blacks a couple of weeks before, and then running out there, leading them, was a little bit surreal.

"I thought he just got out there and played his natural game, and didn't try too much."

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