Scotland 17 New Zealand 25: Agony for Scots against All Blacks after second half fightback
Scotland's wait for a win over New Zealand goes on after a 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield
Scotland had only claimed two draws in the previous 32 meetings between the two nations prior to this match, going close to where no other Scotland team has gone before.
Gregor Townsend's brave players fought back from a 17-0 deficit at the break to level the scores at 17-17, before the visitors regrouped and maintained their unbeaten record over Scotland.
It was a painful end for Scotland, who had put in so much to a gripping Test match.
New Zealand took the lead just three minutes in when Josh Lord burst through a Scotland ruck and offloaded to Cam Roigard to cross.
Beauden Barrett added the extras.
Scotland twice got close to the All Blacks tryline but were held up on each occasion.
Barrett added a penalty on 29 minutes and then despite Leroy Carter being in the sin bin, New Zealand landed another converted try just before the interval when Will Jordan touched down after good work from Wallace Sititi to make it 17-0 to the visitors at half time.
Scotland came out firing at the start of the second period and quickly went about whittling down New Zealand's lead with a blistering spell of rugby. After incessant pressure, Ewan Ashman heaved over on 46 minutes, with Finn Russell adding the extras.
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea was yellow carded for an infringement earlier in the move and New Zealand were once again down to 14.Scotland sensed blood. Kyle Steyn darted over in the corner on 50 minutes and Russell converted to make the score just 17-14 in New Zealand's favour.Scotland drew level on the hour mark when Russell kicked a penalty for a New Zealand offside and the All Blacks' lead had been wiped out with 20 minutes remaining.
Sititi was the next All Black to go to the bin after an intentional knock-on and Scotland had another chance to capitalise on ten minutes with an extra man.New Zealand, however, rallied and nosed ahead on 74 minutes with a try in the corner from Damian McKenzie. However, he could not add the extras and the lead was only 22-17. McKenzie booted over a long-distance penalty on 78 minutes and that was the end of Scotland hopes against the All Blacks once more.
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