EDINBURGH - World champions New Zealand held off a game challenge to keep intact their 112-year unbeaten record against Scotland with a hard-fought 22-17 win at Murrayfield on Saturday.
The All Blacks outscored their hosts three tries to two, but were given a tough test by a side who are still to beat them in 33 meetings.
Codie Taylor, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett scored tries for New Zealand after the sides were deadlocked at 3-3 at halftime, while Jonny Gray stretched over for Scotland’s first try and Huw Jones added a second three minuets from time.
Handling errors cost Scotland a real chance of a historic win but they kept the All Blacks pinned back for good parts of the game, starting with a quick tempo and keeping up the pressure right to the end when the visitors had two players in the sin-bin.
Points-Scorers
Scotland – Tries: Jonny Gray, Huw Jones. Conversions: Finn Russell (2). Penalty: Russell (6).
New Zealand – Tries: Codie Taylor, Damien McKenzie, Beauden Barrett (2). Conversions: Barrett (2). Penalty: Barrett (1).