Scotland's pursuit of a historic victory over New Zealand fell short once again as the All Blacks broke their hearts in a thrilling match at Murrayfield. Despite a spirited second-half fightback, the final score was 25-17 in favor of the visitors, marking their 33rd win over Scotland in 120 years of rivalry.
The Scots faced an early setback, trailing 17-0 at halftime, despite being held up over the line twice. However, they roared back in the second half, narrowing the gap to 17-17 by the hour mark with tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn. The momentum seemed to be shifting in their favor as the match entered its final quarter.
But the All Blacks, with three players yellow-carded, showed their resilience. Substitute Damian McKenzie scored a try and a long-range penalty in the closing stages, silencing the home crowd. The visitors took the lead within three minutes of the start, with second-rower Josh Lord's magnificent one-handed pick and go, setting up Cam Roigard for a try on the left. Beauden Barrett converted the score.
The Scots responded strongly but couldn't convert their opportunities into points. Scotland wing Darcy Graham was held up over the line, and the All Blacks extended their lead with a close-range penalty from Barrett in the 29th minute. The hosts' hopes were further dampened when All Blacks wing Leroy Carter was sin-binned for tripping Graham. Despite the numerical advantage, the Scots couldn't capitalize.
The Kiwis increased their lead to 17 points just before halftime when Will Jordan finished on the left, with Barrett kicking the conversion. However, the Scots started the second half strongly, with Ashman scoring from a lineout maul in the 46th minute, and Finn Russell adding the extras. The All Blacks' captain, Ardie Savea, was yellow-carded for trying to pull down the maul, giving the Scots an opportunity to close the gap.
The Scots made the extra man count as Steyn scored on the left in the 51st minute, with Russell's conversion. The momentum shifted, and the Scots looked set to take the lead in the 56th minute, but Roigard's brilliant tackle prevented Graham from grounding the ball. Russell then levelled the score with a penalty on the hour mark, creating a thrilling finale.
The All Blacks weathered the Scottish storm and regained the lead in the 73rd minute with McKenzie's try. Despite a missed conversion attempt, McKenzie sealed the victory with a penalty from 45 meters, leaving the final score at 25-17. The match showcased the All Blacks' resilience and the Scots' determination, leaving both teams with a memorable encounter.
