All Blacks Victory Over Scots Unspectacular
The All Blacks are through to the semi-finals against France after a comfortable but unspectacular win over a spirited Scotland side 30 – 18 at Murrayfield this morning. (NZT)
Under wet conditions wing Tana Umaga scored two tries, Jeff Wilson one while Andrew Mehrtons kicked two conversions and a penalty to but the All Blacks up 25-3 at half time.
Andrew Mehrtons was replaced by Otago substitute Tony Brown at half time after suffering serious bruising on his knee.
The second half saw Lomu finally score in the corner after two big runs were thwarted by a committed Scottish defence. Midway through the second half Scotland’s commitment was finally rewarded when flanker Budge Pountey barged over for a try which was then converted.
Gregor Townsend landed a dropgoal around halftime for the hosts.
In the dying moments of the match Martin leslie snaffled an intercept, ran the length of the field and unloaded to wing Cameron Murray for a try.
The All Blacks struggled to spark their talented backline and will be especially concerned about the turnover of ball through inaccurate throwing in the lineout.
In other matches South Africa beat England 44 – 21, France beat Argentina 47 – 26.
ends