Scotland vs. New Zealand: Key Battles to Watch at Murrayfield

Scotland showcased a new and promising fashion of to-the-point rugby in last weekend's 41-31 defeat of Argentina, but New Zealand come to Murrayfield on Saturday bringing an entirely different danger.

The world champions contributed a hearty performance of their own in beating England 24-21 at Twickenham, and Vern Cotter faces an uphill struggle in keeping a 100 percent autumn series record.

Ahead of the Edinburgh matchup, we've examined which head-to-head battles promise to have the biggest impact on the scoreline.

1. Greig Laidlaw vs. TJ Perenara

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Greig Laidlaw gave a Man of the Match performance in the triumph over the Pumas last time out, and once again Scotland's scrum-half will shoulder arguably the biggest burden of any against the All Blacks.

Aaron Smith has been given a rest by Steve Hansen, leaving TJ Perenara to deputise in his absence, but as is the case in just about any position for the world champions, the replacement offers a similarly elite option at No. 9.

The difference in responsibilities—Laidlaw perhaps feeling the pressure more this weekend—gives Perenara an opening to be more liberal in his approach. The Hurricanes half-back will be looking to run the ball while his opposite number strives to involve his outside weapons, having assisted no less than three tries against Argentina.

As a result, Laidlaw will have to be extra vigilant against an opponent of elusive nature; Smith's assured presence replaced by one equally as tricky with ball in hand, albeit less clinical.

2. Rob Harley vs. Richie McCaw

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Rob Harley spent 10 minutes on the sidelines last Saturday after showing indiscipline at the line-out, but with Richie McCaw descending, he'll need his wits at their optimum if he's to win the individual struggle.

McCaw shifts to blindside as Sam Cane assumes the No. 7 shirt, a move which gives the veteran flanker license to wreak havoc at the breakdown as he so often has during his career.

With only seven caps to his name, 24-year-old Harley has a mountainous task in challenging Hansen's ruck icon, but if he can secure grounded ball, he promises to offer Scotland opportunities from any penalties going his way.

3. Stuart Hogg vs. Ben Smith

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Scotland fans may consider it a positive to hear Israel Dagg is one of those dropping out of the All Blacks' starting XV, but Ben Smith offers a threat of equal, arguably superior power.

The Highlanders utility starred in the No. 15 role during Dagg's injury absence in 2013, and Stuart Hogg will find it terrifically difficult to pierce Smith's borders.

Despite his use at centre or on the wing, Smith is a highly valuable customer at fullback, bringing an assured pair of mitts under high ball and adding another stellar running option when coming into the line.

However, when at his best, Hogg is no slouch and has regularly featured as a standout talent for the Scots in recent years. It will be of intrigue to see what he offers when coming up against a back line of such intelligence, with gaps likely to be difficult to come by.

4. Finn Russell vs. Dan Carter

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Dan Carter missed his chance against England last week but will make his first start in a year this Saturday, coming in for Aaron Cruden to offer an alternative that by no means has to be a step down.

In truth, it's difficult to know what the veteran will offer upon making his first XV return, but Finn Russell should relish the opportunity of going up against one so seasoned.

Respect isn't to be confused with fear, however, and Russell should be confident enough to attack Carter's borders in the knowledge that Alex Dunbar and Mark Bennett offer great support lines should he be able to open the space for them.

5. Sean Maitland vs. Charles Piutau

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Sean Maitland has as much cause as any other Scotland representative to be fired up for Saturday's clash, as the New Zealand-born winger prepares to take on some familiar-looking faces.

Charles Piutau may not be among those more established All Blacks, but having recovered from a debilitating injury earlier this year, the Blues speedster is getting his career steadily back on track.

Ahead of the Murrayfield meeting, Maitland insisted he has no mixed emotions, however, per The Telegraph's Alasdair Reid:

"

I wouldn’t say I’ve got mixed emotions going into this game. The main feeling I get is just excitement.  It’s going to be crazy. I’ve been talking to the guys in the Scotland team who have faced [the haka] before. Obviously I’ve seen it a lot on TV. It will be crazy, especially having multi-heritage growing up. It is going to be special.

I did it plenty of times, for school and for age group stuff. It’s nothing new to me, I suppose. They are laying the challenge down to us and we’ve got to accept it and feed off it. I won’t be doing anything silly. No smiling or laughing. I think I’ll just try to pick out [former Crusaders team-mate Ryan] Crotty if he is playing and just stare at him.

"

Maitland will have his chance to do so after Crotty was named as Hansen's No. 12 for the Scotland collision, but Piutau is another name he'll be wanting to keep a close eye on.

In a foot race, New Zealand's zippy left winger may have the edge, but Maitland will strive to see that his build makes for a tough defensive roadblock in Piutau's way while also building on last week's try-scoring performance against the Pumas.