New Zealand beat Scotland 43–21 despite Ashman hat-trick

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Ewan Ashman’s first-half hat-trick could not prevent Scotland losing 43–21 to New Zealand at Murrayfield on Saturday, 7 November. The All Blacks scored seven tries and held the hosts scoreless after the interval to secure a Nations Championship victory.

Scotland were only three points behind at half-time, with Ashman scoring all three of their tries and Finn Russell converting each one. But New Zealand added 19 unanswered points in the second half to turn a close contest into a comfortable win.

Wallace Sititi scored New Zealand’s opening try from a lineout move before Ashman replied from a rolling maul, giving Scotland an early 7–5 lead. Ethan de Groot and Codie Taylor then crossed for the visitors as they moved 17–7 ahead.

Ashman’s second brought Scotland back into contention, but Beauden Barrett restored New Zealand’s ten-point advantage with the first of his two tries. The Scottish hooker completed his treble before the break, leaving the score at 24–21.

New Zealand took control after the restart. Josh Moorby finished a wide attack following pressure at the scrum, and Barrett scored again after Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu was sent to the sin-bin for repeated team infringements.

Replacement hooker Asafo Aumua added the All Blacks’ seventh try to complete the scoring. Scotland were unable to find the fourth try that would have secured a bonus point.

New Zealand had also spent periods of the first half short of players after yellow cards for Peter Lakai and Sititi. Scotland used those opportunities to stay close before the visitors imposed themselves after half-time.

The result extended Scotland’s wait for a first win in the fixture: New Zealand have now won 32 of the teams’ 34 Tests, with two draws. Scotland next host Australia on 15 November, while the All Blacks travel to face Wales on 14 November.

Sources

• Scottish Rugby: Official Scotland 21–43 New Zealand match report (2026-11-07)
• BBC Sport: Scotland fade as seven-try New Zealand win at Murrayfield (2026-11-07)
• Sky Sports: Scotland 21–43 New Zealand report, scorers and next fixtures