SCOTLAND forward Blair Cowan insists the All Blacks have not delivered a snub to the Dark Blues by making wholesale changes ahead of their trip to BT Murrayfield.

While Scots head coach Vern Cotter has named the same starting XV who beat Argentina 41-31 last weekend, New Zealand will have an almost unrecognisable line-up to the one which saw off England at Twickenham.

Captain Richie McCaw - who switches to blind-side flanker - and Ben Smith, now at wing after shifting from full-back, are the only survivors of the world champions' 24-21 success in London.

World-record points international scorer Dan Carter does, however, return at fly-half for his first Test start of the year.

And flanker Cowan - a Kiwi by birth who qualifies for Scotland on account of his Scottish mother Joan - said: "It is still a quality side. It's not disrespectful in my eyes. There has been a few changes in personnel but they have put Dan Carter at 10 ... I mean, come on. He's not the man he is today without being a quality player.

"They have Richie McCaw playing, too. He's an absolute legend of the game. I have that much respect for him. One of my targets has been to play against the best of the best and he is that.

"The All Blacks are the All Blacks for a reason. They have depth more than any other nation in the world.

"For every man that wears that jersey, it means the same thing to all of them. Having been raised in New Zealand, I know how much it means to all of them.

"So, by no means if we win will anything be taken away from us because of the changes they have made. They could pick from another 20-odd players from their ranks and it would still be a world-class team.

"If we win, it will because we were the best on the day, not because of the team they have out."

And coach Cotter - another New Zealander now flying the flag for Scotland - insists his players will still get the test they deserve following last week's encouraging display against the Pumas.

"The 23 players that are pulling on that jersey for New Zealand will be very good players," said the former Clermont Auvergne boss. "They have got a very strong culture and the guys tomorrow will be eager to become part of the legend.

"You can't talk about first XV and second XV with the All Blacks. They won't put players out unless they are ready.

"We don't see it as a weakened side. If anything, we see it that we are playing against future greats."