Scott Robertson reflects on discipline concerns following narrow win over Scotland

All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson admitted his team’s discipline nearly cost them as New Zealand held off a fierce Scottish fightback to win 25-17 at Murrayfield.

The victory kept the All Blacks’ Grand Slam hopes alive, but Robertson said the three yellow cards shown to his players exposed a lack of composure that must be fixed immediately.

Robertson acknowledged that while his side started strongly to lead 17-0 at halftime, the loss of control after the break allowed Scotland to level the scores.

“We went in at halftime knowing what we needed to do, but we dropped the kickoff, and 20 minutes later we were under a lot of pressure,” he said.

“That’s Test rugby. You’ve got to be accurate, disciplined, and tough.”

The coach praised replacement fullback Damian McKenzie for his match-winning contribution, calling him “mercifully clutch” for his ability to kick a 50:22, score a try, and land the late penalty that sealed the result.

Robertson added that the team’s defensive resilience while down to 14 men was “something to be proud of”, but warned that the All Blacks must show “more control and ruthlessness” if they want to complete the Grand Slam tour successfully.

Despite the win, Robertson’s tone reflected more frustration than celebration.

“It wasn’t perfect. The execution wasn’t perfect,” he said. “But the boys dug deep, and that’s what matters. Still, we can’t keep giving teams that many chances.”

Following wins over Ireland and Scotland, New Zealand will now take on England next on 15th November before concluding the tour in Cardiff against Wales on 22nd November.