Darcy Graham narrowly missed securing a third try for Scotland, with the ball slipping from his grasp as he reached for the try line.
For over a month, as Scottish Rugby celebrated a century at Murrayfield, opinions have been sought regarding the stadium’s greatest moment. Views remain divided.
However, when it comes to the stadium’s most painful moment, there may be complete agreement, particularly once the shock subsides. This match, which left fans feeling disoriented and deflated, is a prime candidate.
New Zealand played to their formidable reputation, while Scotland showcased both their strengths and weaknesses, proving to be both exhilarating and frustrating.
The match was marked by missed opportunities and moments where Scotland allowed New Zealand to escape. Despite three All Black players receiving yellow cards, Scotland only capitalized on one of these instances.
For 30 minutes, the visitors played with 14 men, yet the score remained level at 7-7. This statistic will undoubtedly haunt Gregor Townsend and his team.
While the All Blacks have defeated Scotland late in the game in 2014, 2017, and 2022, this encounter felt different, yet ultimately yielded the same result.
Sione Tuipulotu stated that the team’s comeback from 17-0 to 17-17 showcased their best rugby during his time in Scotland. He described the atmosphere inside Murrayfield as so intense that it felt like the stadium was “hovering.”
Belief surged through the stadium, and Scotland’s initial hesitation was cast aside.
Disbelieving glances were exchanged as the reality of the moment sunk in. History seemed within reach, but ultimately remained elusive.
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In the aftermath, All Blacks coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of “clutch” plays, a hallmark of New Zealand’s success.
Despite facing intense pressure in the second half, with strong performances from Jack Dempsey, Gregor Brown, Rory Hutchinson, and Kyle Steyn, the visitors found a way to win when it seemed impossible.
Composure proved decisive once again. Scotland conceded multiple penalties in the final 10 minutes, allowing New Zealand to tighten their grip on the game, as they have done in the past.
Damian McKenzie’s 70th-minute 50-22 kick was a turning point, securing crucial field position and delivering a “gut punch,” as Tuipulotu described it. McKenzie’s subsequent try was exceptional, but highlighted Scotland’s missed opportunity: should Blair Kinghorn have made the tackle and prevented the score?
McKenzie’s final booming kick sealed the victory, leaving Scotland defeated in the closing minutes once more.
This loss ranks among the most agonizing in recent memory. A lack of focus early in the game and a breakdown in organization before halftime proved costly. Despite this, Scotland displayed remarkable resilience, repelling the All Blacks with fierce determination.
However, this resilience was undermined by moments of fragility and wastefulness.
Scotland were held up over the line twice in the first half and failed to capitalize on opportunities to apply pressure. During Leroy Carter’s sin-bin period, Scotland failed to score, while New Zealand added seven points, a frustrating outcome.
Kyle Steyn scored Scotland’s second try, igniting the Murrayfield crowd.
At 17-0, early analyses suggested a potentially devastating defeat. Questions were raised about Scotland’s substance, their ability to compete with top teams, and the future of Coach Townsend.
The shift in momentum was electrifying, as Scotland displayed ruthlessness and energy, while New Zealand fought to hold on.
Ewan Ashman’s try and Ardie Savea’s subsequent sin-bin created an opportunity. With the score at 17-7 and facing 14 men, hope emerged.
Three minutes later, Scotland scored again, with Tuipulotu breaking through and Kinghorn passing to Steyn. The score was now a three-point game, and the crowd was on its feet. This passage of play showcased some of Scotland’s best and most frustrating moments.
Around the 53rd minute, Scotland pressed again but knocked the ball on. In the 56th minute, Darcy Graham nearly scored in the corner but lost possession under pressure.
The match was thrilling but also concerning. Despite their intense pursuit of points, Scotland inadvertently relieved pressure on New Zealand instead of securing the win.
Shortly after Savea returned, Finn Russell kicked a penalty to level the score. Then, Wallace Sititi’s deliberate knock-on resulted in a third yellow card for New Zealand.
It was as if New Zealand was challenging Scotland: “How many penalties do we need to concede for you to beat us?”
However, the scoreboard remained unchanged during Sititi’s absence, highlighting Scotland’s missed opportunity. These were not the All Blacks of old, and they were vulnerable. Perhaps New Zealand simply grew tired of waiting for Scotland to seize the victory?
As the final 10 minutes approached, a sense of dread began to grow. Those familiar with the history of this fixture knew the potential for late-game heartbreak against the All Blacks.
The sense of impending doom was palpable, like a distant thunder, jungle drums, or a funeral march. McKenzie’s game-changing 50-22 kick was a sign of what was to come.
Penalties were conceded, ground was lost, and hope diminished. McKenzie scored, and there was no recovery. In the past, this might have been considered a moral victory, with focus on the positives and signs of progress.
However, those days are gone. There was no solace in performance and no pride in defeat. It was a compelling but ultimately disheartening day.
Scotland could and should have won. They had the opportunity to make history but fell short, as if 120 years wasn’t long enough to wait.
What now? Should we revisit the 0-0 draw of 1964 or the 25-25 draw of 1983? Perhaps those should be considered the glory days.
Scottish Rugby Union