Autumn Nations Series
Scotland 0 (17)
Tries: Ashman, Steyn Cons: Russell (2) Pens: Russell
New Zealand 17 (25)
Tries: Roigard, Jordan, McKenzie Cons: Barrett 2 Pens: Barrett, McKenzie
New Zealand survived three yellow cards and a second-half onslaught to maintain their unbeaten record against Scotland by edging a game for the ages at Murrayfield.
The visitors looked in complete control at the end of a first half that was bookended by tries from All Blacks backs Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan.
The visitors’ second score came with Scott Robertson’s side reduced to 14 as a result of Leroy Carter’s sin bin for a cynical trip.
Beauden Barrett also knocked over a penalty to give the All Blacks a commanding 17-0 lead at the interval.
Yet when the clock hit 51 minutes, Scotland were just three points behind thanks to scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn that got Murrayfield rocking.
New Zealand had 14 men again, with captain Ardie Savea in the bin, and Scotland were rampant as Ben White, Pierre Schoeman and Darcy Graham all went agonisingly close.
On the hour mark, Finn Russell’s boot levelled a breathless encounter and Wallace Sititi had picked up New Zealand’s third yellow card.
However replacement full-back Damian McKenzie – a dazzling presence when he entered the game – had the last say, touching down under pressure late on then adding a penalty to ensure Scotland’s long wait for a win against the All Blacks goes on.
This was the 33rd meeting of the nations in 120 years and the best Scotland have managed is two draws.
More to follow.
Line-ups
Scotland: Kinghorn; Graham, Hutchinson, Tuipulotu (capt) Steyn; Russell, White; Schoeman, Ashman, Rae, Gilchrist, Cummings, Brown, M Fagerson, Dempsey.
Replacements: Turner, Sutherland, Millar-Mills, Sykes, Darge, Bayliss, Dobie, Jordan.
New Zealand: Jordan; Carter, Fainga’anuku, Tupaea, Clarke; B Barrett, Roigard; De Groot, Taylor, Newell, Lord, Holland, Sititi, Savea (capt), Lakai.
Replacements: Taukei’aho, Williams, Tosi, Darry, Kirifi, Ratima, Proctor, McKenzie.
