All Blacks Extend Streak
The All Blacks secured a 43-21 victory over Scotland at Murrayfield, extending their undefeated streak at the Edinburgh venue to 21 matches, 1News reported.
That result marks the longest unbeaten run by any international rugby team at an away ground in history. Despite the scoreline, the visitors had to weather a spirited first-half fightback from the hosts before locking down the match after the break.
Only five men's players in history have scored a Test hat-trick against the All Blacks. Edinburgh man Ewan Ashman is now one of them, and the first Scot to do it. 🏰https://t.co/i6XBGRe7yE
Scotland entered the fixture unbeaten at home this season after defeating France, England and Fiji, but by the finish they were a distant second best.
Holland and Barrett Provide an Intimidating Second Row
Fabian Holland put in an omnipresent display at the breakdown and in the air following his earlier omission from the opening Bledisloe Cup Test, according to 1News. Dave Rennie called Scott Barrett’s impact “awesome,” noting the lock’s big engine around the tackle and carry. The pair form an intimidating dual threat in the second row for the All Blacks.
Play is underway at Scottish Gas Murrayfield 🏴 0-0 🇳🇿 pic.twitter.com/W7bbE9mYOx
“He’s just got a big, big engine and does a lot of unseen stuff around tackle and carry and clean barge,” Rennie said of Barrett’s workrate.
Beauden Barrett Returns
Beauden Barrett made his 148th international appearance at Murrayfield, scoring a brace of tries and orchestrating the attack alongside Damian McKenzie. Dave Rennie praised the veteran fly-half’s professionalism, stating that he remains an important part of the group heading toward next year’s World Cup. The Guardian noted that Barrett’s try came from sweet timing by McKenzie, who put the veteran through a gap.
Was wondering who would do it this weekend in Test rugby! All Blacks pull out the Leinster trick play used against Connacht. Which Sale used against Glasgow two weekends before that. And someone else probably used before that! pic.twitter.com/RtM4gcbxse
“There’s people out here thinking that he’s past it, but he’s in an environment here where we really value his experience,” Rennie said.
Yellow Cards and Missed Tackles Disrupt New Zealand Momentum
New Zealand’s momentum was repeatedly checked by ill-discipline, with Wallace Sititi and Peter Lakai both shown yellow cards in the first half. The NZ Herald reported that the All Blacks missed 18 tackles in the opening 40 minutes as Scotland capitalized on the numerical advantage.
Ewan Ashman scored a first-half hat-trick for Scotland, leaving the hosts trailing by just three points at halftime before the All Blacks shut them out in the second half.
Four minutes into the match, New Zealand threw trickery at Scotland at a lineout—featuring two runners bolting off the lineout as decoy men—and Wallace Sititi scored with ease.
What the All Blacks Defeat of Scotland Means
What was the final score at Murrayfield?
The All Blacks defeated Scotland 43-21, scoring seven tries to three in the Edinburgh encounter.
Ashy making the boys proud 👏 Ewan Ashman gets Scotland on the board. pic.twitter.com/k7xkLL4BF3
Who scored Scotland’s tries?
Hooker Ewan Ashman scored a hat-trick of tries for Scotland during the first half while the All Blacks were temporarily reduced to 14 men.
Who are the All Blacks playing next?
The All Blacks are expected to rotate their squad to face Wales in Cardiff before a subsequent fixture against England at Twickenham.
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