Scotland Rugby Secures First Win Over Māori All Blacks In Whangārei

Scotland's rugby team secured a hard-fought 29-26 victory over the Māori All Blacks in Whangārei, marking their first win against this quality side in three encounters. Coach Gregor Townsend emphasized the significance of the defensive effort, especially during a critical 28 or 29 phase sequence late in the game, despite the team being a man down. Townsend fielded a relatively inexperienced squad, resting key players to prioritize the upcoming capped Test matches against Fiji and Samoa, which are crucial for World Rugby rankings and Rugby World Cup seeding. Three players—Fin Richardson, Alex Masibaka, and Fergus Burke—made their debuts in this non-cap match, with the game serving as a valuable development platform. The coach praised the team's clinical first-half performance and resilience under pressure, highlighting the tour's importance for player growth and alignment on playing style. Looking ahead, Townsend acknowledged the challenges of facing higher-ranked Fiji in warmer conditions but viewed the win as a positive start that sets the tone for the rest of the Pacific tour.