Scotland v Samoa Summer Test takes centre stage in Auckland on Friday morning, and there is more than pride at stake for Gregor Townsend’s side as they look to round off their summer tour on a positive note. After edging past the Maori All Blacks but suffering a heavy defeat to Fiji in Suva, the Scots are under pressure to finish strongly and restore some confidence before the autumn internationals. Former Glasgow Warriors scrum-half Colin Gregor told BBC Scotland’s rugby podcast that Scotland must win, “and in emphatic fashion,” to repair some of the damage to world rankings and to keep momentum building towards future tournaments.
Townsend has spoken openly this week about finishing on a high, and for many of his players this match is as much about personal opportunities as it is about the scoreboard. Gregor explained that selectors will be watching closely to see which combinations work, who adapts best in testing conditions and who might be ready to push into starting contention when the autumn series arrives. “It’s now about looking at where they can make improvements and where the potential combinations might be,” he said, adding that certain players have a chance to step up and show they can be relied on when the stakes are high.
Scotland have made five changes to their starting line-up following the Fiji defeat. Injuries to Tom Jordan and Jamie Ritchie, and the absence of Cameron Redpath, have opened the door for Rory Hutchinson and Stafford McDowall to form a new centre pairing. Kyle Steyn switches to the right wing to make room for Arron Reed, while Gregor Brown joins the second row and Andy Onyeama‑Christie takes over at blind-side flanker. Prop Rory Sutherland and hooker Ewan Ashman also start, and both will head to Australia afterwards to join the British and Irish Lions squad.
Samoa, meanwhile, play their first competitive match of 2025 after pulling out of last year’s northern hemisphere tour due to financial issues. Although they have been forced to relocate this fixture to Auckland because of urgent work at Apia Park, they are expected to enjoy vocal support from the city’s sizeable Samoan community. While Samoa’s form in recent seasons has been mixed, they sit just outside the top ten in the World Rugby rankings and have proven they can unsettle higher‑ranked sides, defeating Italy, Tonga and the United States last year.
The Scots will remember their 34‑0 victory at the 2019 World Cup, but history also shows Samoa’s ability to spring a surprise, particularly when underestimated. With world ranking points and squad places on the line, Friday’s clash has added weight for Scotland as they look to end their summer on a stronger note.
For more updates on the summer rugby tour and further insights, visit EyeOnLondon. We’d love to hear your views in the comments.
[Image Credit | SNS]
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