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Associated Press
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Scotland holds on to beat the New Zealand Maori 29-26 in a thrilling start to its Pacific tour
WHANGAREI, New Zealand (AP) — Scotland conceded a try after only 40 seconds but rallied to score four tries including a double to scrumhalf George Horne to hold out the New Zealand Maori 29-26 Saturday in the opening match of its South Pacific tour. The tourists led 29-12 early in the second half but gave up two tries and had to survive 29 phases of attack, two penalties and a yellow card before sealing their win in the 87th minute. It was Scotland's first win over the New Zealand Maori in their first match in New Zealand in 25 years. The Maori had Scotland on the back foot when they scored off their first possession which came from a poor Scotland clearance. Flyhalf Rivez Reihana moved the ball quickly wide, center Bailyn Sullivan recovered his own kick and passed infield to scrumhalf Sam Nock who scored before the first minute of the match had elapsed. Scotland recovered well and controlled possession through most of the next 25 minutes, scoring tries through winger Harry Patterson and Horne, both from kicks which turned the Maori defense. Scotland looked dangerous both from phase play and counterattack and kicked well to pressure the New Zealand Maori in the backfield. The Maori had only fragments of possession through the middle of the first half and struggled to produce a coherent attack until the 32nd minute when Scotland conceded a series of penalties close to their own goalline. With the touring team under a general warning, replacement Alex Masibaka found himself heading to the sin-bin only moments after taking the field. The Maori took advantage and Nock moved the ball wide to backrower Te Kamaka Howden who dropped a pass into the hands of lock Isaia Walker-Leawere who scored. Scotland responded superbly to score just before halftime and while still one man down through winger Arron Reed. The tourists continued to find space behind the defense and wide out for kicks. On this occasion center Rory Hutchinson kicked to Reed's wing. The Maori were reduced to 13 men with two yellow cards in the opening minutes of the second half. Scotland took advantage and Horne scored the best try of the match, combining on the left flank with Hutchinson and Reed. Restored to 15 men, the Maori struck back through hooker Kurt Eklund from a lineout drive, then scored again through Gideon Wrampling to reduce Scotland's lead to three points a 29-26. Scotland next plays Fiji in Suva next Saturday and then Samoa. ___ AP rugby:
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Scotland holds on to beat the New Zealand Maori 29-26 in a thrilling start to its Pacific tour
WHANGAREI, New Zealand (AP) — Scotland conceded a try after only 40 seconds but rallied to score four tries including a double to scrumhalf George Horne to hold out the New Zealand Maori 29-26 Saturday in the opening match of its South Pacific tour. The tourists led 29-12 early in the second half but gave up two tries and had to survive 29 phases of attack, two penalties and a yellow card before sealing their win in the 87th minute. Advertisement It was Scotland's first win over the New Zealand Maori in their first match in New Zealand in 25 years. The Maori had Scotland on the back foot when they scored off their first possession which came from a poor Scotland clearance. Flyhalf Rivez Reihana moved the ball quickly wide, center Bailyn Sullivan recovered his own kick and passed infield to scrumhalf Sam Nock who scored before the first minute of the match had elapsed. Scotland recovered well and controlled possession through most of the next 25 minutes, scoring tries through winger Harry Patterson and Horne, both from kicks which turned the Maori defense. Advertisement Scotland looked dangerous both from phase play and counterattack and kicked well to pressure the New Zealand Maori in the backfield. The Maori had only fragments of possession through the middle of the first half and struggled to produce a coherent attack until the 32nd minute when Scotland conceded a series of penalties close to their own goalline. With the touring team under a general warning, replacement Alex Masibaka found himself heading to the sin-bin only moments after taking the field. The Maori took advantage and Nock moved the ball wide to backrower Te Kamaka Howden who dropped a pass into the hands of lock Isaia Walker-Leawere who scored. Advertisement Scotland responded superbly to score just before halftime and while still one man down through winger Arron Reed. The tourists continued to find space behind the defense and wide out for kicks. On this occasion center Rory Hutchinson kicked to Reed's wing. The Maori were reduced to 13 men with two yellow cards in the opening minutes of the second half. Scotland took advantage and Horne scored the best try of the match, combining on the left flank with Hutchinson and Reed. Restored to 15 men, the Maori struck back through hooker Kurt Eklund from a lineout drive, then scored again through Gideon Wrampling to reduce Scotland's lead to three points a 29-26. Scotland next plays Fiji in Suva next Saturday and then Samoa. ___ AP rugby:
Associated Press
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Stafford McDowall named to captain Scotland against the New Zealand Maori
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Center Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland in Saturday's match against the New Zealand Maori in Whangarei, New Zealand, the first match of Scotland's Pacific tour. McDowall played in all of Scotland's matches in the last Six Nations tournament in place of the injured Sione Tuipulotu. Scrumhalf George Horne and backrower Josh Horne have been named as vice-captains. Horne is the most-capped player in the Scotland lineup with 35 caps. McDowall will combine in midfield with Rory Hutchinson who was named in coach Gregor Townsend's squad in the absence of Matt Curry. Fullback Ollie Smith will play his first match for Scotland since the 2023 World Cup. Backrower Alexander Masibaka and New Zealand-born flyhalf Fergus Burke have been named on the bench to make their first appearances for Scotland. The match is not an official test. Maori coach Ross Filipo has made a handful of changes to the side which beat a Japan XV 50-23 in Tokyo last weekend. Crusaders lock Antonio Shalfoon will make his Maoris debut at lock while Chiefs center Daniel Rona joins the starting lineup at center. Blues back Corey Evans has been named on the bench. Scotland will play Fiji in Suva on July 12. ___ AP rugby:
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Stafford McDowall named to captain Scotland against the New Zealand Maori
WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — Center Stafford McDowall will captain Scotland in Saturday's match against the New Zealand Maori in Whangarei, New Zealand, the first match of Scotland's Pacific tour. McDowall played in all of Scotland's matches in the last Six Nations tournament in place of the injured Sione Tuipulotu. Advertisement Scrumhalf George Horne and backrower Josh Horne have been named as vice-captains. Horne is the most-capped player in the Scotland lineup with 35 caps. McDowall will combine in midfield with Rory Hutchinson who was named in coach Gregor Townsend's squad in the absence of Matt Curry. Fullback Ollie Smith will play his first match for Scotland since the 2023 World Cup. Backrower Alexander Masibaka and New Zealand-born flyhalf Fergus Burke have been named on the bench to make their first appearances for Scotland. The match is not an official test. Maori coach Ross Filipo has made a handful of changes to the side which beat a Japan XV 50-23 in Tokyo last weekend. Advertisement Crusaders lock Antonio Shalfoon will make his Maoris debut at lock while Chiefs center Daniel Rona joins the starting lineup at center. Blues back Corey Evans has been named on the bench. Scotland will play Fiji in Suva on July 12. ___ AP rugby:
