Scotland fightback just not enough

SCOTLAND'S search for a first-ever win over New Zealand continues after their spirited second-half fightback ultimately proved fruitless ina 25-17 defeat at Murrayfield.

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Gregor Townsend's side went in 17-0 down at the break despite being twice held up over the line. The Scots roared back to make it 17-17 by the hour mark after tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn, and they looked the likelier winners as the match moved into the fourth quarter.

But the All Blacks - who had three players yellow-carded ~ regained their composure in the closing stages, with a try and a penalty from substitute Damian McKenzie taking the game away from the hosts, who have now failed to win this fixture in 33 attempts over 120 years.