Scotland’s long search for a first-ever win over New Zealand goes on after a brave and spirited comeback fell short in a 25–17 defeat at a charged Murrayfield Stadium. Gregor Townsend’s side went into halftime trailing 17–0, having twice been held up over the line, and though they fought back superbly in the second half, the All Blacks’ composure in the closing stages proved the difference.
The visitors struck first, silencing the home crowd within three minutes. Lock Josh Lord burst from halfway with a stunning one-handed carry and offloaded to scrum-half Cam Roigard, who sliced through to score. Beauden Barrett added the conversion to put New Zealand in control early on. Scotland responded with intent, testing the All Black defence with sustained pressure, but lacked the cutting edge to turn possession into points. When Barrett slotted a penalty in the 29th minute, the lead grew to 10–0, and Scotland’s frustration deepened.
A yellow card to winger Leroy Carter for cynically tripping Darcy Graham offered the hosts a chance to build momentum, but they couldn’t capitalize. Instead, New Zealand punished them again on the stroke of halftime, as Will Jordan finished expertly on the left after being set up by Wallace Sititi. Barrett’s conversion sent the visitors into the break 17–0 ahead, leaving Murrayfield subdued and Scotland with everything to do.
Whatever Townsend said at halftime had an immediate effect. Scotland emerged with renewed belief and purpose, and their reward came in the 46th minute when hooker Ewan Ashman powered over from a lineout maul, with Finn Russell adding the extras. The crowd roared back into life, and the noise grew even louder when All Blacks captain Ardie Savea was shown a yellow card for collapsing another maul. Sensing opportunity, Scotland struck again. This time, Kyle Steyn finished brilliantly in the corner after a sharp pass from Blair Kinghorn, and Russell’s precise conversion brought the hosts within three points.
The energy was electric as Scotland pressed for more, and when Russell’s penalty drew them level at 17–17 on the hour mark, it felt as though a century-old hoodoo might finally be broken. New Zealand, uncharacteristically rattled, saw Sititi sent to the bin for a deliberate knock-on, and the momentum seemed to be all with Scotland.
But the All Blacks do not panic easily. Despite being a man down, they absorbed the pressure and then struck clinically when it mattered most. Replacement Damian McKenzie produced a moment of brilliance in the 73rd minute, cutting through on the left to score and restore the lead. Though he missed the conversion, he made amends six minutes later with a booming 45-metre penalty that effectively sealed the contest.
For Scotland, it was another case of so near yet so far. Their performance was full of courage and attacking intent, and for long stretches, they matched and even outplayed one of the world’s great rugby nations. But as has been the case for 120 years, the final scoreline told a familiar story. The All Blacks left Edinburgh with their unbeaten record intact, while Scotland were left with pride, frustration, and the growing sense that one day—perhaps soon—the balance may finally tip their way.
English