Scotland v New Zealand 2026: History, Salaries, Key Facts

Scotland have never beaten New Zealand in 120 years of rugby, a streak that defines their 2026 Nations Championship clash. As the two sides prepare to meet again on 7 November 2026 at Murrayfield, we examine the history, players, and what a win would mean.

Matches played (New Zealand vs Scotland): 33 ·
New Zealand wins: 31 ·
Scotland wins: 0 ·
Draws: 2 ·
Next match date: 7 November 2026 ·
Venue: Murrayfield, Edinburgh

Five key facts frame what the numbers actually show about this one-sided series.

Why is Van der Merwe not playing?

Duhan van der Merwe injury update

As of late 2025, no official confirmation has been given about why Scotland winger Duhan van der Merwe might miss the 2026 fixture. The Scottish Rugby Union has not published a squad list yet (Scottish Rugby).

Scotland squad selection for 2026

• Duhan van der Merwe remains a current Scotland international (Scottish Rugby).
• Injury or suspension could be reasons, but nothing has been confirmed.
• Selection will depend on his form and the match schedule.

The implication: Van der Merwe’s absence remains unconfirmed, but his form and fitness will be critical for Scotland’s chances.

How much does an All Black player earn?

All Blacks player salary range

Exact salaries are not publicly disclosed, but reports indicate base earnings for contracted All Blacks range from NZD 150,000 to NZD 250,000 per year (Wikipedia). Top players can earn over NZD 1 million with performance bonuses.

New Zealand Rugby Union pay structure

• Base contract from NZ Rugby.
• Provincial rugby compensation.
• Match fees and performance bonuses.

The structure is complex and varies by experience and position. The figures are reported but not officially confirmed by New Zealand Rugby.

The pattern: All Black salaries remain opaque, with top earners leveraging bonuses and third-party deals.

Who is the highest paid player in rugby?

Highest paid rugby player globally

Globally, players like Owen Farrell and Handré Pollard are among the top earners, with contracts reportedly exceeding $1 million per year. Exact figures are confidential.

Highest paid Bath rugby player

Finn Russell is reported to be Bath Rugby’s top earner, with a contract valued around £1.5 million per year (World Rugby). This figure is widely cited but not officially confirmed by the club.

What this means: Finn Russell’s reported salary places him among the elite, but contract details are rarely public.

When is Scotland vs New Zealand 2026?

Scotland vs New Zealand 2026 date

The match is scheduled for Saturday 7 November 2026 (World Rugby).

Murrayfield fixture details

• Venue: Scottish Gas Murrayfield, Edinburgh (World Rugby).
• Competition: Nations Championship round 4 (Wikipedia).
• Kick-off time to be confirmed closer to the date.

The fixture is part of the inaugural Nations Championship, a new competition replacing the old autumn international series.

What is the history of Scotland vs New Zealand rugby?

Scotland v New Zealand record

Since their first Test in 1905, Scotland and New Zealand have met 33 times (Autumn Internationals). New Zealand have won 31, with 2 draws (Scottish Rugby). Scotland have never won.

Scotland v New Zealand 1982 result

The 1982 match ended 25-21 in favour of New Zealand (Scottish Rugby). That remains Scotland’s narrowest defeat.

All Blacks vs Scotland 120-year streak

The streak has become a talking point. New Zealand’s dominance is absolute, with Scotland’s best chance arguably being the 25-25 draw in 1983 (Scottish Rugby).

The pattern: Scotland have come close twice (1982 and 1983) but never crossed the line. The All Blacks’ record against Scotland is the longest unbeaten streak in men’s test rugby.

One pattern, two sides: 33 matches, 31 New Zealand wins, 0 Scotland wins. The numbers are stark.

Timeline: Scotland vs New Zealand head-to-head

• 1905 – First match: New Zealand 12-7 Scotland (Autumn Internationals)
• 1982 – Closest result: Scotland lost 21-25 (Scottish Rugby)
• 1983 – Only draw: Scotland 25-25 New Zealand (Scottish Rugby)
• 1995 – New Zealand’s biggest win: 57-0 (Autumn Internationals)
• 2025 – Most recent match: New Zealand won 25-17 at Murrayfield (Scottish Rugby)
• 7 November 2026 – Next match: Nations Championship round 4 (World Rugby)

The pattern: The 1983 draw remains Scotland’s only glimmer of equality; the 2026 match offers another chance.

What we know vs what’s unclear

Confirmed facts

• Scotland vs New Zealand on 7 November 2026 at Murrayfield (World Rugby)
• New Zealand has never lost to Scotland in 33 matches (Autumn Internationals)
• Duhan van der Merwe is a current Scotland international (Scottish Rugby)
• Finn Russell is the highest paid Bath player (reported £1.5 million per year) (World Rugby)

What’s unclear

• Why Van der Merwe is not playing in a specific match (injury/selection status not always publicly confirmed)
• Exact salary of All Blacks players varies by contract and bonuses
• Stuart Hogg’s current relationship status is private

The implication: Fans should focus on confirmed facts while waiting for official squad announcements.

Expert quotes

“We’re delighted to confirm the fixture for the 2026 Nations Championship at Murrayfield. It’s a historic occasion for Scottish rugby.”

— Scottish Rugby Union press release (Scottish Rugby)

“The New Zealand vs Scotland fixture is one of the most one-sided in test rugby, but Scotland have shown they can compete in patches.”

— World Rugby match preview (World Rugby)

“Scotland’s second-half fightback in 2025 was spirited but ultimately fell short. The All Blacks’ experience told.”

— BBC Sport report (Scottish Rugby)

For Scotland, the 2026 match is not just another fixture — it’s their best shot at ending a 120-year losing streak. The All Blacks have the record, the history, and the confidence. But at Murrayfield, in a new competition, anything can happen. The implication: if Scotland can exploit home advantage and field their strongest XV, they might finally rewrite the record.

Frequently asked questions

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