Scotland’s familiar frailties brutally exposed in All Blacks schooling

New Zealand overwhelmed Scotland in the second half at Murrayfield, winning 19-0 after a lively first half to secure a decisive victory. The result ended any realistic hope of Scotland breaking a 121-year wait for a Test win over the All Blacks and exposed recurring weaknesses against elite opposition.

Scotland led the scoring excitement before the break, with Ewan Ashman completing a hat-trick, but Beauden Barrett’s second try in the 51st minute confirmed New Zealand’s control. Barrett reached 50 Test tries and 148 caps. Scotland’s missed chances, trouble at the breakdown, discipline and ball handling all contributed, while their record of conceding heavily to top sides points to persistent defensive problems.