Scotland vs New Zealand: Dan Carter returns as All Blacks make 13 changes to trip to Murrayfield

New Zealand fly-half Daniel Carter will start his first test in almost a year and captain Richie McCaw will play at blindside flanker for the first time when the All Blacks meet Scotland on Saturday.

Carter last started a game for the world champions last November against England, when he won his 100th test cap, but has barely played at all in 2014 following a six-month sabbatical and his recovery from a broken leg.

Captain McCaw, who has played openside flanker for the majority of his career, will make his first appearance in the number six jersey for the All Blacks as coach Steve Hansen gives understudy Sam Cane valuable game time.

Hooker James Parsons, who was called into the squad in London after Nathan Harris was sent home with an ankle injury, will also make his test debut at Murrayfield in an experimental team that includes fly-half Colin Slade on the right wing.

New Zealand:

15-Ben Smith, 14-Colin Slade, 13-Malakai Fekitoa, 12-Ryan Crotty, 11-Charles Piutau, 10-Daniel Carter, 9-TJ Perenara, 8-Victor Vito, 7-Sam Cane, 6-Richie McCaw (captain), 5-Dominic Bird, 4-Jeremy Thrush, 3-Charlie Faumuina, 2-James Parsons, 1-Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16-Dane Coles, 17-Wyatt Crockett, 18-Ben Franks, 19-Luke Romano, 20-Liam Messam, 21-Augustine Pulu, 22-Sonny Bill Williams, 23-Julian Savea

Reuters