New Zealand Beats Scotland 25-17 at Murrayfield

New Zealand preserved their unbeaten record against Scotland with a 25-17 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday, holding off a spirited second-half comeback from the hosts in the Autumn Nations Series.

The All Blacks surged to a 17-0 halftime lead, silencing a crowd marking the stadium's centenary as a Test venue. In the third minute, lock Josh Lord broke from a midfield ruck and offloaded to scrumhalf Cam Roigard for the opening try, converted by flyhalf Beauden Barrett. Scotland threatened twice near the New Zealand line but were held up, prompting desperate defending from the visitors. Barrett added a penalty in the 29th minute, and winger Will Jordan crossed late in the half after shrugging off wing Darcy Graham, with Barrett's conversion extending the advantage.

Gregor Townsend's side struggled for rhythm early, their attacks repelled by New Zealand's set-piece dominance and counterattacks. Wing Leroy Carter received a yellow card in the 33rd minute for tripping Graham, but Scotland could not capitalize during the numerical advantage.

The second half transformed the contest as Scotland roared back. Hooker Ewan Ashman scored from a lineout maul in the 46th minute, with flyhalf...