New Zealand make 12 changes for team to face Scotland

New Zealand coach Graham Henry has made 12 changes from the side that defeated Australia in Hong Kong last weekend for the test match against Scotland at Murrayfield on Saturday.

The high number of changes reflects the need to rest players in a punishing schedule for the All Blacks.

"I don't think that international players have the ability to play five games on a tour," Henry said on Tuesday.

After the Scotland match, New Zealand are due to play Ireland, European champions Munster, Wales and England before the end of November.

Three of the players named to face Scotland are test debutants -- giant prop Jamie Mackintosh and back row men Liam Messam and Kieran Read.

Mackintosh, who captained New Zealand at under-19 and under-21 levels, comes in at loosehead prop but, according to forwards coach Steve Hansen, will be useful in other areas.

"Jamie gets around the park and we can use him in the line-out," said Hansen.

Taking over the captaincy is experienced hooker Kevin Mealamu, described by Henry as one of the senior players in the party and one who "has the respect of all the others."