All Blacks hold off Scotland 25–17 in Autumn Test

The All Blacks have defeated Scotland 25–17 in their Autumn International Test this morning.

Tries to Cam Roigard and Will Jordan, with Beauden Barrett adding two conversions and a penalty, gave the All Blacks a 17–0 lead, and seemingly the chance to turn the screws on Scotland by halftime.

Wrong.

The All Blacks were then on the receiving end of a sustained and determined Scottish fightback, as the hosts muscled their way back into the contest.

Hooker Ewan Ashman and winger Kyle Steyn scored tries, and Finn Russell converted both to level the scores at 17-all with 20 minutes to play.

Scotland had the chance to end 120 years of heartache and claim their first-ever win against the All Blacks, as poor discipline almost cost the visitors.

Leroy Carter, Ardie Savea, and Wallace Sititi received yellow cards, forcing their teammates to dig deep.

Replacement back Damien McKenzie proved to be the match-winner.

He nailed a 50/22 to put the All Blacks in attacking range and scored in the corner despite desperate Scottish defence in the 72nd minute.

McKenzie then slotted a penalty a few minutes later to seal the win.

[Source: Stuff.co.nz]