All Blacks Edge Past Scotland with Late Try by McKenzie

The All Blacks overcame a challenging encounter against Scotland, securing a 25-17 victory on November 5, 2023, thanks to a late try from Damian McKenzie. The match, held at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh, marked a crucial step in their quest for a Grand Slam.

Discipline proved to be a significant issue for New Zealand during the match. The team received three yellow cards, placing them at a disadvantage against a determined Scottish side. Despite this, the All Blacks managed to maintain their composure late in the game, ultimately sealing their win.

The first half saw Scotland take an early lead, with a penalty goal from Owen Farrell putting them ahead. The All Blacks responded with a try from Rieko Ioane, showcasing their attacking prowess. Scotland remained resilient, capitalizing on New Zealand’s indiscipline to stay within striking distance.

As the second half unfolded, the tension escalated. New Zealand’s inability to stay disciplined allowed Scotland to score another penalty, narrowing the gap. With the score at 17-15 in favor of the All Blacks, the match hung in the balance as time ticked away.

In the final minutes, the All Blacks executed a well-orchestrated play that culminated in McKenzie’s try, pushing the score to 25-17. This late surge not only secured the victory but also reinforced their reputation for resilience under pressure.

The win keeps New Zealand’s hopes for a Grand Slam alive, a significant achievement that would require them to win their remaining matches. Following the match, head coach Ian Foster praised his team’s fighting spirit but emphasized the need to improve discipline moving forward.

Scotland, while disappointed with the loss, demonstrated commendable effort and skill throughout the game. Coach Gregor Townsend expressed pride in his team’s performance, acknowledging the challenges posed by New Zealand.

As both teams prepare for their upcoming fixtures, the All Blacks will look to refine their strategy and discipline, while Scotland aims to build on their positive aspects from this encounter. The next rounds promise to be exciting as the competition heats up in the international rugby calendar.