Late McKenzie Heroics Deny Scotland Historic Victory
Scotland's long wait for a first-ever victory over the All Blacks continues after Damian McKenzie's late intervention secured a 25-17 win for New Zealand in a thrilling Autumn Nations Series encounter at Murrayfield. Despite playing with 14 men for nearly half an hour and surrendering a 17-point lead, the visitors demonstrated their champion qualities when it mattered most.
Scotland's Spirited Comeback Falls Short
The match followed a familiar script for Scottish rugby fans - immense bravery ultimately unrewarded. New Zealand raced into a 17-0 half-time lead through early tries from Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan, with McKenzie adding the extras. The All Blacks' dominance seemed absolute, but the match transformed after the break as Scotland mounted an extraordinary recovery.
Ewan Ashman crashed over from a driving maul five minutes into the second half, before Kyle Steyn finished superbly in the corner after excellent work from Blair Kinghorn and Sione Tuipulotu. When Finn Russell slotted the conversion to level the scores at 17-17 on the hour mark, Murrayfield erupted with belief that history might finally be made.
All Blacks Show Championship Mentality
Just as Scotland reached their peak, New Zealand rediscovered their ruthless edge. With ten minutes remaining and the scores level, McKennie produced a stunning 50-22 kick to pin Scotland deep in their territory. From the resulting attacking lineout, the fly-half contorted his body to ground the ball miraculously in the corner for the decisive try.
McKenzie then applied the final blow with a magnificent 45-metre penalty in the dying moments to extend the lead beyond a single score. The defeat marks Scotland's 31st defeat in 33 attempts against the All Blacks, maintaining a winless record that stretches back over a century of competition.
While Gregor Townsend's side can take heart from their second-half performance, particularly the efforts of back-rowers Gregor Brown and Jack Dempsey, they ultimately fell short against opponents who possess that crucial ability to execute under maximum pressure.
