Scotland vs All Blacks | Midfield battle: Tuipulotu and Jones vs Jordie Barrett and Tupaea

New Zealand scored seven tries to three in their 43-21 victory at Murrayfield.Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman scored all three Scottish tries from rolling mauls, and Finn Russell converted each one.

The All Blacks scored through Wallace Sititi (3'), Ethan de Groot (15'), Peter Lakai (19'), Beauden Barrett (30' and 50'), Josh Moorby (48') and Asafo Aumua (67'). Damian McKenzie converted four of his seven kicks.

Lakai and Sititi were both yellow-carded in the first half, and Scotland scored once while Lakai was off. The game turned after the break. Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu was yellow-carded on 50 minutes, and Barrett scored within seconds. New Zealand outscored Scotland 19-0 in the second half.

Scotland had more of the carrying (489 carry metres to 375) and almost even possession (49%). However, they conceded 13 penalties to eight and 15 turnovers to six. New Zealand scored from 7 of their 9 entries into the Scotland 22, while Scotland scored from 3 of 8. New Zealand also won all 17 of their lineouts.

2. Midfield battle: Tuipulotu and Jones vs Jordie Barrett and Tupaea

Sione Tuipulotu (Scotland, No. 12, captain)

Tuipulotu was busy but costly. He carried 13 times for 22 metres, crossed the gain line eight times and beat four defenders. He also made two offloads and a line-break assist.

In defence he made 11 tackles from 13 attempts (85%). He also made a clean break in the opening seconds.

His discipline cost Scotland. He conceded three penalties (two offside, one killing the ruck) and was shown the yellow card on 50 minutes

Jones was Scotland’s most dangerous back. He carried eight times for 65 metres and 34 post-contact metres, the biggest carry total of any midfielder in the game. He made three clean breaks (35', 36' and 41'), all in the lead-up to Ashman’s third try and the half-time whistle, and beat four defenders.

His defence was shakier. He made 5 tackles and missed 2 (71%). He played the full 80 minutes, with one handling error and one turnover conceded. 

Jordie Barrett (New Zealand, No. 12)

Barrett played the playmaker role. He carried eight times for 28 metres, crossed the gain line six times and made a clean break. He added a try assist (Moorby, 48'), an offload and a line-break assist.

He also kicked six times for 167 metres, four in-field and two to touch, and made a turnover-winning play. His tackling was the weak point. He made 6 of 12 attempts (50%). He was replaced on 65 minutes.

Quinn Tupaea (New Zealand, No. 13)

Tupaea was New Zealand’s defensive centre. He made 12 tackles from 15 attempts (80%), including a dominant tackle and a try-saving tackle, and won a turnover. He carried only nine times for nine metres and had six carries stopped behind the gain line, so his attacking numbers were modest.

He played all 80 minutes