New Zealand defeated Scotland 25-17 in a pulsating Quilter Nations Series encounter at Murrayfield on Saterday.
Sixty thousand Scottish fans created an electric atmosphere singing “Flower of Scotland” before kick-off. The stirring rendition failed to intimidate the All Blacks, who struck first.
Scotland’s defence faltered early at a ruck, allowing New Zealand to exploit the breakdown. Josh Lord broke through and passed to Cam Roigard, who finished expertly. The visitors led 7-0.
The opening twenty minutes showcased relentless intensity from both sides. New Zealand attacked continuously whilst Scotland defended courageously, throwing bodies into every tackle.
Scotland eventually secured a crucial turnover and launched their own attacking phase. However, they couldn’t capitalise on their territorial advantage against a stubborn All Blacks defence.
Beauden Barrett extended New Zealand’s lead with a penalty in the 29th minute. The score reached 10-0 as Scotland struggled to convert pressure into points.
Leroy Carter received a yellow card for impeding Darcy Graham after a kick-through. The Murrayfield crowd voiced their displeasure at the 33rd-minute decision.
Despite numerical advantage, Scotland failed to score from four visits to New Zealand’s 22-metre line. Will Jordan punished their missed opportunities with a blindside try before half-time, making it 17-0.
Scotland finally crossed in the 46th minute through a powerful driving maul. Ardie Savea’s yellow card for illegally collapsing the maul gave Scotland fresh hope.
Kyle Steyn capitalised on the numerical advantage in the 51st minute, finishing brilliantly after receiving a wide pass. Scotland had reduced the deficit to 17-14.
Darcy Graham nearly completed a remarkable comeback in the 57th minute before Cam Roigard’s try-saving tackle. Finn Russell’s penalty tied the match 17-17 on the hour mark.
The helter skelter pace was continued in the 74th minute when a wayward pass found Leicester Fainga’anuku who offloaded to Damian McKenzie for a crucial try.
McKenzie sealed victory with a remarkable 60-metre penalty in the 79th minute. The blood-soaked fly-half’s nerveless kick completed a 25-17 triumph.
Scotland’s gutsy performance deserved better reward against resilient All Blacks opponents.
