From BBC News · · 2m
Scotland need momentum and unity to beat All Blacks
Jack Dempsey says Scotland can be world-class for 20 minutes then terrible for the next, and consistency is what separates them from New Zealand.
In brief
Jack Dempsey says Scotland can be world-class for 20 minutes then terrible for the next, and consistency is what separates them from New Zealand. Scotland face New Zealand on Saturday seeking their first win in 34 meetings. Jack Dempsey says they need momentum within games and defensive intensity to break through…
Scotland seek first All Blacks win
Scotland face New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday for the 34th time. They have had three near misses in a row under Gregor Townsend but have never beaten the All Blacks.
Dempsey identifies two key problems
Jack Dempsey, Scotland's number eight, says the team needs momentum within games and stronger messaging. Scotland can be the best team in the world for twenty minutes and the worst for twenty minutes.
“We can be the best team in the world for 20 minutes and we can be the worst team in the world for 20 minutes.”
Defensive intensity is the answer
Dempsey says Scotland must make opponents earn every phase defensively and make it harder for them on attack. If they stack those moments, habits will change and results should follow.
“Can we make the team against us earn every single phase?”
Dempsey moves to Japan for opportunity
Dempsey will play his 50th Test on Saturday, his 36th for Scotland and 14th for Australia. He left Glasgow Warriors after five years to join Toshiba Brave Lupus in Japan for more opportunities.
Six Nations sacrifice for bigger picture
Based in Japan, Dempsey is available for the Nations Championship and World Cup but unavailable for the Six Nations. He wrestled with leaving Glasgow, which he says resurrected his career.
“I'd love to drink from this cup every single year for the rest of my life.”
Rennie gave Dempsey a second chance
Dempsey will face Dave Rennie, now New Zealand head coach, on Saturday. When Rennie coached Australia, he criticised Dempsey's physicality, but that criticism helped push him to Glasgow where he thrived.
Pressure moments will decide the match
Dempsey stresses Saturday is about pressure moments and Scotland's ability to make life difficult for the All Blacks. More than 120 years since they first played, Scotland have never won against New Zealand.
“Not everyone gets what they deserve and not everyone gets what they should.”
What matters most
Scotland face New Zealand on Saturday seeking their first win in 34 meetings. Jack Dempsey says they need momentum within games and defensive intensity to break through.
