Kiwis too strong for gallant Scots
Scotland 22 New Zealand 51:Tim Visser scored two tries for Scotland, but world champions New Zealand triumphed in the EMC Test at Murrayfield to extend their unbeaten run to 18 Tests. Visser scored a try in each half and Geoff Cross also went over for the hosts, for whom Greig Laidlaw kicked seven points, but the All Blacks ruthlessly punished any mistakes.
Julian Savea (two), Israel Dagg, Corey Jane, Andrew Hore and Ben Smith crossed for the All Blacks, with Dan Carter kicking 21 points.
The one blot on the tourists’ record came when Adam Thomson was sin-binned for stamping on Alasdair Strokosch’s head.
Scotland had not scored a try against New Zealand since 2005 and they scored three for the first time since 1996, two for a Holland-born Edinburgh wing who qualified through residency in June.
Visser’s 14th-minute score put Scotland in front, but three converted tries in a 10-minute spell turned the contest in the All Blacks’ favour and Andy
Robinson’s men will now seek to bounce back against South Africa and Tonga.
New Zealand, meanwhile, resumed winning ways after a draw against Australia in their prior Test saw them miss a record-equalling 17th successive Test win.
Now the All Blacks face Italy, Wales and England as they bid to finish the calendar year unbeaten.
New Zealand’s superstar outhalf Dan Carter was glad to get the All Blacks off to a winning start but admitted the performance had given them food for thought.
Carter told BBC Sport: “I’m very happy. We wanted to get this tour off to a good start and we were up against a Scotland side full of energy and intensity and they really took it to us, so I’m really pleased to get off on the right foot.
“It was pleasing for us to score a few tries but there are still a few areas to work on. For periods of the game, especially the second half, Scotland really took it to us and controlled the territory.
“We were a bit passive at times. Scotland played with a lot of passion, they were extremely physical and scored some good tries”
