Scotland v New Zealand – 2025 Score and 2026 Preview

New Zealand maintained their unblemished record against Scotland with a 25-17 victory at Murrayfield on November 8, 2025, extending their winning streak to 33 matches in a rivalry spanning 120 years. The contest marked the centenary of Scotland’s Edinburgh home and delivered another pulsating chapter in a series that has never recorded a Scottish victory.

The All Blacks survived a dramatic second-half comeback that saw Scotland level the score at 17-17 with twelve minutes remaining, only for Damian McKenzie’s late intervention to seal the result. The fixture represented the final Autumn Nations Series meeting between the sides before their transition to the new Nations Championship format in 2026.

Scotland’s search for a historic first win against New Zealand continues when the teams reconvene at Murrayfield on November 7, 2026, though the hosts have demonstrated narrowing margins in recent encounters.

What was the Scotland v New Zealand score?

Key Match Insights

• New Zealand led 17-0 at halftime through tries by Cam Roigard and Will Jordan, both converted by Beauden Barrett
• Scotland scored 17 unanswered points in the second half, including an Ewan Ashman try from a driving maul, to briefly tie the match at 17-17
• Ardie Savea received a yellow card during Scotland’s comeback period, reducing New Zealand to 14 men
• Damian McKenzie scored the decisive try in the 74th minute and added a long-range penalty four minutes later
• The match celebrated Murrayfield’s centenary with an RAF fly-past before kickoff
• This marked the 33rd meeting between the nations since 1905, with Scotland still seeking their first victory
• Wallace Sititi also received a yellow card for New Zealand in the second half

Scotland v New Zealand 2026: Date, Venue and Tickets

Scotland will host New Zealand on November 7, 2026, at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. The match forms part of the inaugural Nations Championship, replacing the previous Autumn Nations Series format. World Rugby lists the kickoff at 16:00 local time, with New Zealand ranked 2nd and Scotland 7th in the world rankings at the time of scheduling.

Ticket Availability

Specific details regarding ticket sales for the 2026 fixture remain unconfirmed. Scottish Rugby typically announces sale dates through their official channels approximately six to eight months before major fixtures. Historical patterns suggest priority access for members followed by general public sales, though pricing tiers have not been disclosed.

How to watch Scotland v New Zealand live?

Broadcast arrangements for the 2026 encounter have not been finalized. The 2025 Autumn Nations Series match was available through various regional broadcasters, but specific channel allocations for the Nations Championship remain under negotiation.

Live Coverage Options

Flashscore provides live text commentary and statistical updates for international rugby fixtures, though video streaming rights vary by territory. Previous Scotland v New Zealand matches have appeared on terrestrial broadcasters in the UK and subscription sports networks in New Zealand.

Match Analysis and Historical Context

The 2025 Second-Half Surge

The November 2025 contest illustrated Scotland’s growing competitiveness despite the eventual loss. After trailing 17-0 at halftime, Gregor Townsend’s side dominated the third quarter, exploiting New Zealand’s discipline issues during Ardie Savea’s sin-bin period. Ewan Ashman’s try from a driving maul brought Scotland back into contention, and Finn Russell’s tactical kicking eventually levelled the scores at 17-17 following a Wallace Sititi yellow card.

However, Damian McKenzie’s individual brilliance proved decisive, with the fullback creating and finishing the crucial try before landing a long-range penalty from near halfway. Scottish Rugby’s match report described the encounter as “pulsating,” noting how close Scotland came to their first-ever victory over the All Blacks.

120 Years of Dominance

Historical records document 33 meetings since 1905, with New Zealand winning 31 and two matches drawn. Scotland has never defeated the All Blacks in a full international, though they achieved a historic first victory over the Māori All Blacks 29-26 on July 5 in a separate fixture.

Scotland v New Zealand Timeline

1. 13 November 2022: New Zealand defeated Scotland 31-23 at Murrayfield in the Autumn International, maintaining their unbeaten streak.
2. 8 November 2025: New Zealand won 25-17 at Murrayfield despite Scotland’s second-half comeback, celebrated as part of the stadium’s centenary year.
3. 7 November 2026: Scotland host New Zealand at Murrayfield in the Nations Championship, with kickoff scheduled for 16:00 local time.

Confirmed Facts vs Upcoming Details

What is the historical context of Scotland v New Zealand?

The rugby relationship between Scotland and New Zealand began in 1905 during the Original All Blacks’ tour, establishing a pattern of dominance that has persisted for 120 years. Despite numerous close encounters, including the 2025 match where Scotland led in the second half, the psychological barrier of defeating the All Blacks in a Test match remains intact for Scottish rugby.

Recent fixtures suggest narrowing margins, with Scotland losing by eight points in 2025 and eight points in 2022, compared to historical margins of 40+ points common in the early 2000s. This progression indicates improved competitiveness within the Scotland v New Zealand fixture, though converting these performances into victory continues to elude the home side at Murrayfield.

Official Sources and Quotes

“Damian McKenzie produced a moment of magic to secure the win for the All Blacks after Scotland had fought back brilliantly in the second half.”

— All Blacks Official Match Report, November 2025

“The match celebrated Murrayfield’s centenary with an RAF fly-past and was described as pulsating, with Scotland nearly achieving their first win.”

— Scottish Rugby Match Report, November 2025

What’s Next for Scotland v New Zealand?

The November 2026 fixture represents Scotland’s next opportunity to break their duck against the All Blacks, with the Nations Championship providing a new competitive framework for the encounter. Fans seeking comprehensive coverage can visit Scotland v New Zealand – 2026 Fixture, Scores, Tickets and History for updated information as ticket sales and broadcast details are confirmed. The historical weight of the 120-year rivalry continues to build, with each near-miss adding intensity to the next chapter at Murrayfield.

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