Tuipulotu takes responsibility for Scotland's missed chance against NZ

Scotland rugby captain Sione Tuipulotu has taken responsibility for his team's failure to secure a historic first victory over the All Blacks, admitting his yellow card contributed to a disappointing 43-21 defeat in Edinburgh.

The 29-year-old midfielder, who has Tongan heritage through his father, was sent to the sin-bin in the second half as Scotland struggled to contain a resurgent New Zealand side in their Nations Championship clash on Sunday morning (NZ time).

The hosts trailed by just three points at halftime but conceded 19 unanswered points after the break, extending their winless record against New Zealand to 34 matches.

"I don't think our discipline was good enough, and it probably starts with me, I got sent to the bin, and, you know, 10 minutes with your captain off is not going to be good for any team, so I take full responsibility for that," Tuipulotu says.

Born in Melbourne to a Tongan father and an Australian mother of Scottish and Italian heritage, Tuipulotu qualifies for Scotland through his maternal grandmother. He made his international debut against Tonga in 2021 and was appointed Scotland captain in 2024.

He believes his side squandered opportunities to build a commanding lead after putting the All Blacks under sustained pressure in the opening 40 minutes.

"We were playing our rugby, we were putting them under the pressure with ball in hand, probably, in a way, they probably haven't been put under pressure over the past couple weeks," he says.

But Tuipulotu acknowledges Scotland could not match New Zealand's accuracy and physicality after halftime.

"Yeah, it is disappointing, especially when we know what we can do with ball in hand, so I think that pretty much proves we weren't up to the, I suppose, the level that the All Blacks were playing in the second half."

Sione Tuipulotu leads in his Scottish side as they arrive at Murrayfield to face the All Blacks. Photo/Photosport/Matt Impey

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie was pleased with his team's defensive improvement but admits discipline and attacking accuracy remain concerns.

New Zealand had Peter Lakai and Wallace Sititi sent to the sin-bin during the first half, allowing Scotland to remain within striking distance despite the visitors scoring four tries.

"I think if you looked at the game itself, probably ill-disciplined first half, a couple of yellow cards. You give Scotland opportunities in the finish zone, they're going to hurt you," Rennie told the post-match conference.

"So not as clinical today as we have been. We just lost our shape a couple of times."

The victory comes after an emotional week for the All Blacks following the death of long-serving team security manager Logan Cadwallader.

Rennie says he is proud of the players' response and pleased they could secure the result in Cadwallader's memory.

The All Blacks scored seven tries in a match that saw Scotland threaten to end more than a century of frustration against New Zealand.

Sititi, Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor and Barrett crossed in a thrilling first half, while Scotland hooker Ewan Ashman scored a hat-trick to keep the hosts in contention.

New Zealand led 24-21 at halftime despite having two players yellow-carded.

But the second half belonged to the All Blacks, with Josh Moorby extending the lead before Barrett grabbed his second try following Tuipulotu's yellow card.

Centre Quinn Tupaea, who was named player of the match, produced a crucial defensive turnover as Scotland attempted to regain momentum, while replacement hooker Asafo Aumua completed the scoring.

The All Blacks' forward pack proved decisive, with Fabian Holland dominating the lineouts and Tupou Vaa'i providing strong support.

The victory strengthens New Zealand's position in the Nations Championship ahead of their next match against Wales in Cardiff.

Tupaea says the All Blacks must maintain their momentum as the competition intensifies, especially with the match against Wales next weekend.

"Yeah, it's very tight. Every point counts ... Wales are a classy side, so it's going to be a tough match in Wales, our principality, so it's a game we're looking forward to."

Scotland, meanwhile, face another difficult assignment against Australia as they seek to keep their championship hopes alive.

The All Blacks' physical defence helps shut Scotland out in the second half of their 43-21 victory at Murrayfield. Photo/Scottish Rugby Facebook

For Tuipulotu, the priority is ensuring his team learns from another missed opportunity against the All Blacks.

"Yeah, definitely, it's a must-win game next week," he says as Scotland.

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