Gregor Townsend says Scotland face the toughest challenge rugby has to offer when they take on a New Zealand side that he believes continue to set new standards for the game.

Scotland host the back-to-back world champions at Murrayfield on Saturday in their second autumn test.

They have never beaten the All Blacks in 30 contests.

Townsend, though, is not daunted by the challenge posed and is instead relishing the opportunity to test his side's credentials against the best.

He said: "They (New Zealand) have moved the game of rugby on, it's been brilliant to see.

"Their front five pass the ball more than any other team in world rugby.

"They have a wonderful player at full back who is only 5 foot 8 which shows you can be any size, and they play at a tempo that test the boundaries of what you can do."

Zander Fagerson and Cornell du Preez are to start for Scotland against the All Blacks in place of the injured WP Nel and Ryan Wilson.

Fagerson steps in at prop after Nel fractured an arm during the Samao victory, while du Preez makes his first start at eight following Wilson's shoulder injury.