Māori All Blacks beaten by Scotland in Whangārei

Scotland have beaten the Māori All Blacks 29-26 in Whangārei.

The Māori All Blacks picked up right where they left off last weekend against the Japan XV, scoring in the first minute of the game through Sam Nock after some impressive work from Bailyn Sullivan.

Scotland bounced back from the early blow well and went on to build a 24-12 lead at halftime, despite losing a man to the sin bin late in the opening 40 minutes.

Yellow cards to Te Kamaka Howden (knocking the ball dead deliberately) and Zarn Sullivan (deliberate knock down) within 10 minutes of the restart put more pressure on the Māori All Blacks and Scotland extended their lead through George Horne with the numbers advantage.

Tries to Kurt Eklund and Gideon Wrampling helped the Māori All Blacks close the gap to three points with 15 minutes left to play.

The Māori All Blacks continued to test the Scottish defence and, after getting over the ball at the breakdown, gave themselves one last shot at securing a win as time was winding down.

Scotland then found themselves having to defend with a numbers disadvantage after lock Cameron Henderson was penalised for bringing the lineout drive down.

The visitors continued to keep their hosts at bay and ultimately secured a turnover to close out an entertaining match.

Māori All Blacks 26 (Sam Nock, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Kurt Eklund, Gideon Wrampling tries; Rivez Reihana 2 cons; Kaleb Trask con)

Scotland 29 (George Horne 2, Harry Paterson, Arron Reed tries; Adam Hastings 3 cons, pen)

HT: 12-24.