History? Time we blank that out

No scar tissue v Kiwis says Toony

- STUART BATHGATE AT MURRAYFIELD

GREGOR TOWNSEND reckons his boys will not feel burdened by 120 winless years against New Zealand - because they've only known close-run clashes.

The All Blacks will pitch up at Murrayfield on Saturday for their 33rd head-to-head, with the best Scotland results in there being two draws.

A 69-20 loss in 2000 featured among bashings but Townsend is sure his team will take heart from their two most recent meetings with the heavyweights.

In 2017 his first year as head coach Scotland lost 17-22 at Murrayfield, then three years ago they went down 23-31.

While Townsend's troops opened their Autumn Nations Series with a walloping of the United States - the third biggest win in their history - the Kiwis dumped Ireland 26-13 at Chicago's Soldier Field.