Scotland kicked off their summer tour with a dramatic 26–29 win over the Maori All Blacks in Whangarei, holding off a fierce late comeback to secure a rare victory on New Zealand soil.
In a high-paced, try-laden match, Adam Hastings’ early penalty proved decisive as both teams crossed the line four times. Despite missing key players and going down to 14 men, Scotland showed clinical finishing and heroic defence in the dying minutes, surviving relentless Maori pressure deep into stoppage time.
The thrilling non-capped encounter marked Scotland’s first tour to New Zealand in 25 years and set a high benchmark ahead of tougher, ranking-impactful matches against Fiji and Samoa.
