4 Nov 2008

Smith says they'll play different side against Scotland

6:12 am on 4 November 2008

All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith has played down reports that they will field a weakened team when they face Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

He admits that the line-up in Edinburgh will be different to the one that beat Australia 19-14 in Hong Kong at the weekend.

Smith was quick to point out that they haven't got a weakened team, not even a second string.

He says they have to manage the squad and get the players through games with Scotland, Ireland, Wales, England and Munster and keep their energy and desire high.

Smith says New Zealand must take each game as it comes instead of thinking of finishing their tour of the British Isles with six straight victories.

The team will be named tomorrow.