The Sale lock has been selected – subject to a fitness test later this week – despite concerns over an ankle injury, as Robinson makes five changes from the team that beat Samoa in the final Test of the summer tour to Australasia in June.

With centre Joe Ansbro and scrum-half Chris Cusiter sidelined with injury, No.8 Richie Vernon out of the squad and Euan Murray unavailable as the match falls on a Sunday.

Jim Hamilton – who missed the summer tour due to suspension – has been given the nod ahead of Al Kellock while Kelly Brown, the new captain, starts at No.8 in what will be his 50th appearance for the national side.

Geoff Cross comes in for Murray in the front row while Mike Blair starts at scrum-half in place of Cusiter. And in the centres, Nick de Luca replaces the injured Ansbro.

Edinburgh flyer Tim Visser will make his first start on home soil while Glasgow Warriors' scrum-half Henry Pyrgos is set for his international debut if he gets his opportunity from the bench.

“For our first game of the season we will really need to start well and keep the game simple," said Robinson.

“New Zealand are the world champions and they perform the basic skills, well, under the highest pressure.

“We need to step up from the summer tour and be ready to go toe to toe in a physical contest, just as Australia did most recently against New Zealand in Brisbane.

“Congratulations to Kelly Brown who will captain Scotland for the first time and will join distinguished company in winning his 50th cap.”

SCOTLAND:
Stuart Hogg, Sean Lamont, Nick de Luca, Matt Scott, Tim Visser, Greig Laidlaw, Mike Blair, Ryan Grant, Ross Ford, Geoff Cross, Richie Gray, Jim Hamilton, Alasdair Strokosch, Ross Rennie, Kelly Brown (captain)

Replacements: Scott Lawson, Allen Jacobsen, Kyle Traynor, Alastair Kellock, Dave Denton, Henry Pyrgos, Ruaridh Jackson, Max Evans