Just when you thought the All Blacks might finally bow down at Murrayfield, Damian McKenzie danced through Scottish hopes with a late try and a death-knell penalty, securing a nail-biting 25-17 victory. This thriller not only celebrated a century of Murrayfield magic but also kept New Zealand’s undefeated streak against Scotland sparkling clean.
The match kicked off with New Zealand asserting dominance early as Josh Lord, stepping in for the injured Scott Barrett, set up Cam Roigard for a dazzling score just three minutes in. Beauden Barrett’s boot was true, adding the extras and later a penalty to stretch the lead. Scotland, however, seemed to nap through the first half, allowing Will Jordan to sprint through their defense for another All Blacks try, leaving the score 17-0 at the break.
Scotland came out swinging in the second half. Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn crossed the whitewash, with Finn Russell’s boot turning their efforts into full rewards. The Murrayfield crowd erupted as Russell’s penalty drew the sides level at 17-all, setting up a finale fraught with tension.
"Listen to that roar! Kyle Steyn grabs Scotland’s second and it’s GAME ON in Edinburgh ??"
Just as the match seemed to swing in favor of the spirited Scots, McKenzie’s heroics ensured the All Blacks stayed ahead. His pivotal try and late penalty sealed the deal, frustrating Scottish fans and players alike who sensed a historic upset was within grasp.
The All Blacks, despite their disciplinary lapses—evidenced by three yellow cards—managed to pull through, largely thanks to McKenzie’s clutch plays in the dying moments. This victory not only extends their impressive record against Scotland but also keeps alive their hopes for a Grand Slam tour victory over the home nations.
"An absolutely outrageous finish from Damian McKenzie ?? Wow."
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that while Scotland had shown great heart, the clinical edge of New Zealand proved just too sharp once again. The quest for a Scottish victory over the All Blacks continues, but for now, New Zealand marches on, their eyes firmly set on the next challenge.
2,193 posts
Just when you thought the All Blacks might finally bow down at Murrayfield, Damian McKenzie danced through Scottish hopes with a late try and a death-knell penalty, securing a nail-biting 25-17 victory. This thriller not only celebrated a century of Murrayfield magic but also kept New Zealand’s undefeated streak against Scotland sparkling clean.
The match kicked off with New Zealand asserting dominance early as Josh Lord, stepping in for the injured Scott Barrett, set up Cam Roigard for a dazzling score just three minutes in. Beauden Barrett’s boot was true, adding the extras and later a penalty to stretch the lead. Scotland, however, seemed to nap through the first half, allowing Will Jordan to sprint through their defense for another All Blacks try, leaving the score 17-0 at the break.
Scotland came out swinging in the second half. Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn crossed the whitewash, with Finn Russell’s boot turning their efforts into full rewards. The Murrayfield crowd erupted as Russell’s penalty drew the sides level at 17-all, setting up a finale fraught with tension.
"Listen to that roar! Kyle Steyn grabs Scotland’s second and it’s GAME ON in Edinburgh ??"
Just as the match seemed to swing in favor of the spirited Scots, McKenzie’s heroics ensured the All Blacks stayed ahead. His pivotal try and late penalty sealed the deal, frustrating Scottish fans and players alike who sensed a historic upset was within grasp.
The All Blacks, despite their disciplinary lapses—evidenced by three yellow cards—managed to pull through, largely thanks to McKenzie’s clutch plays in the dying moments. This victory not only extends their impressive record against Scotland but also keeps alive their hopes for a Grand Slam tour victory over the home nations.
"An absolutely outrageous finish from Damian McKenzie ?? Wow."
As the final whistle blew, it was clear that while Scotland had shown great heart, the clinical edge of New Zealand proved just too sharp once again. The quest for a Scottish victory over the All Blacks continues, but for now, New Zealand marches on, their eyes firmly set on the next challenge.