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New Zealand maintained their unbeaten record against Scotland with a commanding 43-21 victory at Murrayfield on Saturday, pulling clear in the second half after a lively, error-strewn opening to their Nations Championship clash.

The hosts matched the All Blacks for much of the first half, with hooker Ewan Ashman crossing for a hat-trick of tries. Finn Russell converted all three, helping Scotland stay in touch as both teams found space with ball in hand.

But Scotland could not sustain their challenge after the break. New Zealand sharpened their attack, capitalised on mistakes and scored three second-half tries to turn a close contest into a convincing win.

The All Blacks’ finish underlined the gulf between the sides as the hosts’ hopes of topping the Northern Hemisphere section took a significant hit.

Veteran fullback Beauden Barrett scored twice, taking his international try tally to 50. Wallace Sititi, Ethan de Groot, Peter Lakai, Josh Moorby and Asafo Aumua also crossed for New Zealand, while Damian McKenzie added four conversions.

The 10-try match offered plenty of attacking ambition from both sides, but errors and yellow cards disrupted Scotland’s rhythm.

They looked short of sharpness at key moments and were unable to contain New Zealand once the visitors built momentum.

Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu accepted responsibility for the team’s discipline and second-half decline.

“Disappointing. We played our rugby in the first half but we probably left points out there. We were nowhere near accurate enough second half, and we couldn't stick with them, it's really disappointing. Our discipline wasn't good enough, and it starts with me,” he said.

Ashman’s three first-half finishes gave Scotland a platform and kept the home crowd engaged, but New Zealand’s response after the interval was emphatic.

The visitors tightened their execution and made their attacking opportunities count, while Scotland were left scoreless in the second half.

For New Zealand, the result keeps them level with South Africa on 20 points at the top of the Southern Hemisphere standings, after the Springboks’ earlier victory over Italy.

Their latest win also extends a formidable record against Scotland, who have yet to beat the All Blacks.

The defeat leaves Scotland with little room for error as they pursue top spot in the Northern Hemisphere section.

A competitive first half offered encouragement, but the collapse after the break will be the main concern for coach Gregor Townsend, particularly with discipline and accuracy both proving costly.

New Zealand, meanwhile, leave Murrayfield with another statement result.

Their ability to weather Scotland’s early pressure and then pull away after half-time showcased the depth and composure that have kept them unbeaten in the competition.

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