All Blacks defeat Scotland at Murrayfield, Digi Mart USA News (Murrayfield, Edinburgh): The All Blacks did not wait until the closing minutes to put Scotland away this time, taking the home side out of contention well before the final whistle. There were no late drama or clutch tries to swing the result, which made the defeat easier to absorb than a narrow loss would have been.
The contest was effectively decided in the 51st minute, when Beauden Barrett, now 35, scored his second try of the day. Barrett now has 50 Test tries and 148 caps.
Scotland had not beaten New Zealand in 121 years, and that record remained intact after a performance described as a systematic dismantling.
The first half was an open and entertaining contest, with Ewan Ashman completing a hat-trick for Scotland. The second half belonged entirely to New Zealand, which outscored Scotland 19-0 after the break.
Former Glasgow Warriors head coach Dave Rennie, now coaching the All Blacks, enjoyed a successful return to Scotland.
Scotland coach Gregor Townsend and his players later acknowledged several problems: missed chances in the first half, insufficient pressure on New Zealand’s field position, poor performance at the breakdown, discipline lapses and loss of possession. Townsend acknowledged these issues but noted that the team’s defensive failings have appeared repeatedly in recent matches.
Scotland’s attack has produced impressive tries against top opponents this year, including against South Africa, France and Ireland. However, the team has conceded heavily in several recent Tests, including 40 points against France, 43 against Ireland, 42-18 against South Africa, 38 points against Argentina, and 40 points against New Zealand.
New Zealand’s first try came four minutes in, when a lineout decoy play, with two runners breaking away from the lineout, allowed Wallace Sititi to score with ease. The All Blacks reached 43 points with 12 minutes remaining and could have scored more.
Rennie and assistant Mike Blair have produced significant improvement in the side in a short time.
Scotland now face the Wallabies next Sunday. Scotland have won four of their past five matches against Australia, all under Townsend, and will be expected to win again.
Australia are expected to test Scotland’s defensive frailties in that match.
