Slow starts were very much in vogue yesterday. First New Zealand allowed themselves to be tied down by Italy before running out 42-10 winners in Rome, then France were caught by an early try-scoring charge from Argentina, but preserved their unbeaten record in Lille with a 39-22 victory, thanks in part to two tries by Vincent Clerc.

Tighthead prop Euan Murray returns as one of two changes for Scotland in the EMC Test with South Africa on Saturday.

Michael Hooper, the Australian flanker who must this weekend step into the void left by David Pocock, has no qualms about facing up to Chris Robshaw. Not after squaring up to the great Richie McCaw.

Moody Views

Stuart Lancaster warned England must be prepared for an Australian backlash in Saturday's Cook Cup showdown.

Scotland 22 New Zealand 51

Coach's men under pressure to rediscover their sharpness against Samoa on Friday

New Zealand arrive in Scotland after decade of autumn Test dominance

As he prepared to lead his country for the first time, and to collect his 50th cap, Scotland's captain Kelly Brown insisted he took no sleight from the All Blacks' blinkered approach going into tomorrow's match at Murrayfield.

New Zealand have made 10 changes for the EMC Test with Scotland, but captain Richie McCaw and fly-half Dan Carter will start Sunday's clash at Murrayfield.

Tim Visser has a message for those who automatically assume he will instantly provide the answer to Scotland's lingering try-scoring problems at Murrayfield on Sunday. "I'm not the saviour," said the giant Dutch-born wing, who will make his home debut for his adopted country in their opening autumn Test against the All Blacks. "I can't just score tries from nothing. I live off what other people do. It all comes from a very complete team."

Lock Richie Gray has been named in the Scotland team for Sunday's EMC Autumn Test with New Zealand, subject to undergoing a fitness test on his ankle.