Scotland vs New Zealand LIVE rugby: Result and reaction as hosts denied historic win over All Blacks
Scotland’s wait for a first victory over New Zealand continues as the All Blacks fought back to claim a 31-23 win at Murrayfield
Scotland were denied a historic first victory over New Zealand as a nine-point lead against the All Blacks slipped through their fingers in the autumn internationals at Murrayfield.
In the first meeting of the teams in five years, New Zealand made lightning start to quiten the Murrayfield crowd with scores from Samisoni Taukei’aho and debutant Mark Telea inside seven minutes.
But the match turned following a chip-and-charge from Stuart Hogg, resulting in a penalty try and yellow card for Anton Lienert-Brown. Scotland took full advantage, with Darcy Graham intercepting and then finishing a brilliant try to level.
The returning Finn Russell kicked Scotland into the lead before half time, before stretching their advantage to nine points after the break. But New Zealand hit back when Jack Dempsey was shown a yellow card for a knock-on, and Scott Barrett crashed over to help restore their lead.
And a second try from Telea late on sealed New Zealand’s win, as Scotland were made to regret missed chances earlier in the contest. Follow live reaction from Scotland vs New Zealand, below.
PENALTY! Scotland 20-14 New Zealand (Russell 43’)
Perfect from Russell, and Scotland to start this second half. They stretch their lead to six.
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
Back underway at Murrayfield! Scotland immediately go on the attack and win the penalty for offside as they tried to build the phases. It gives Finn Russell an early chance to go for the posts, with the penalty pretty central.
HALF TIME! Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
A brilliant half - from the reception given to Doddie Weir before kick-off to Darcy Graham’s sensational try - it’s been special. “I take my hat off to Scotland,” says Warren Gatland on Amazon.
HALF TIME! Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
New Zealand kick into touch to end the half and that has to be missed opportunity for Scotland before the break!
But what a half of rugby that was. This is a proper contest, which was unthinkable after the first two minutes.
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
39 mins: The lineout breaks favourably for Scotland, and they will launch one last assault on the New Zealand before half-time...
Russell flings one out to Van der Merwe but the winger is slowed down one metre out!
They edge closer as the clock goes red!
But no! Penalty to the All Blacks.
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
38 mins: The penalties are racking up for New Zealand, and Scotland win another one now on halfway. Russell kicks for touch again and the edge closer to the line...
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
36 mins: There is still pressure on Scotland, though, with the scrum five metres out. Down goes the first attempt, and the second too. But Scotland win the penalty! Russell boots clear.
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
35 mins: This is serious pressure again from New Zealand, but Scotland hold their own and win the penalty as the All Blacks lose the ball! Barrett had a chance to find Caleb Clarke on his outside, but the pass was slightly behind. There’s good defence from Graham and Hogg and Scotland get the scrum following the knock-on.
Scotland 17-14 New Zealand
33 mins: New Zealand again try to ramp up the pressure and rack up the phases with ball-carrying through the middle. But Scotland stand strong and the All Blacks aren’t able to make much ground. There is an injury concern for Richie Gray, though, who is down.
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