Murrayfield memories come flooding back for Read

New Zealand captain Kieran Read says running out at Murrayfield to face Scotland on Saturday will bring back great memories.

The back row forward will lead his side out at the ground where he made his international debut in 2008, winning the first of 108 caps for the All Blacks.

Read made his bow as a 23-year-old in a 32-6 win over Scotland and has since gone on to win back-to-back World Cups but admits it is special to be back at the ground where it all started. “It’s a great ground to play at, I have great memories here,” Read said. “My debut Test was here so I really love this ground, the people and the atmosphere as well. It’s been a great week so far but it will be a different story tomorrow.”

Recalling his debut, he added: “The first thing I remember is trying not to fall over because it was pitch black when I ran out.

“That wouldn’t have been a good look in a first Test, it went pretty quick and I remember it as a game I was pretty excited about.”

Read, who is included in a strong side named by head coach Steve Hansen, is aware of the threats posed by an attack-minded Scotland side and will not be taking them lightly.

He said: “As a side I certainly respect how they got through the World Cup in 2015 (where Scotland lost 35-34 to Australia in the quarter-finals) and over the last couple of years they probably haven’t got the results in terms of placings they deserve. They play an attacking brand of footie and got a win against Australia, so yeah they’re right up there.”