Scott Robertson calls on All Blacks to improve discipline after Scotland scare
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New Zealand's Wallace Sititi (with the ball) was one of three All Blacks who were sin-binned in the 25-17 win over Scotland at Murrayfield on Nov 8, 2025.
PHOTO: REUTERS
EDINBURGH – New Zealand coach Scott Robertson said his team needed to improve their discipline after being given a major scare by Scotland at Murrayfield on Nov 8 before claiming a 25-17 win over the hosts.
Replacement fullback Damian McKenzie inspired the All Blacks, scoring the points that broke the deadlock in the final seven minutes after Scotland had overcome a 17-0 half-time deficit to pull level in the second half.
Scotland’s fightback came against an All Blacks side that received three yellow cards in 28 minutes as Leroy Carter, Ardie Savea and Wallace Sititi were all sin-binned before McKenzie scored a late try and penalty to secure the win.
“We got three yellow cards and there’s something around self-control, these little impulses and decisions we make that we’ve got to get better at,” said Robertson. “It’s important to understand that Test footy is tough.
“You’re going to have adversity and we did, and we’re really pleased, especially with the guys who came off the bench to perform really well.”
New Zealand had powered into an early lead with Cam Roigard crossing to score a second-minute try and Will Jordan added a second on the cusp of half-time.
Robertson was most impressed by his team’s rearguard under pressure after Scotland’s second-half tries.
“There were some amazing efforts on defence, so proud of that,” he said.
“We could’ve just rolled over and given up on one of the efforts, but we didn’t.
“We stayed in it for such long periods of time and when we needed to turn over (we did). That’s the thing we’re really proud of.
“It wasn’t perfect execution. We could’ve put them away and it could’ve been 30 points, but we won tough and that’s what we’re proud of.
“This stuff’s important to us. When we had the ball, we looked good, we just wanted to get the ball back. We started with line-outs and then momentum came back our way. That’s what got us home.”
Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu, meanwhile, was left lamenting a failure to capitalise on a rousing second-half comeback and record a first victory over New Zealand in 120 years.
“I’m gutted,” said Tuipulotu. “I know how much goes into a performance like that so I’m proud of the group.
“I don’t want to get up here and say ‘I’m proud of the group’ and ‘we played well’ because I think we’re a better team than that now.
“We showed in that game that we could have got what we wanted and what we came here to do today, and that’s win, so it’s a tough pill to swallow right now. Me and the group and the coaches are hurting.” REUTERS, AFP