Ewan Ashman's treble wasn't enough as New Zealand ran in 19 unanswered second-half points to beat Scotland 43-21 in Edinburgh.
New Zealand extended their unbeaten run against Scotland in Edinburgh, winning 43-21 in the Nations Championship. Ewan Ashman scored a hat-trick for the hosts, but the All Blacks pulled clear after the break.
The afternoon began with the usual theatre. The anthems were sung, then the All Blacks lined up for the Haka, led by their captain, before Scotland took on a side they have never beaten. Scotland stayed in the contest for long periods and kept the scoreboard close.
The second half belonged to the visitors. New Zealand scored 19 points without reply, and Scotland had no answer. The scoreline opened up in the closing stages, and the home side's early promise was erased.
Ashman's three tries were the one bright spot for Scotland, and he will leave Edinburgh with the personal honour. The team result, though, remains the same as in every previous meeting: a win for the All Blacks. Scotland must now regroup and look for a more complete 80 minutes in the rest of the competition.
