Rugby: New Zealand let rip as Scotland flag

Scotland trailed by just nine points with 13 minutes to go against New Zealand, but eventually lost 37-6.

Outstanding contributions from Andrew Mower, Tom Smith and Scott Murray counted for nothing as New Zealand ripped in for three tries in the final eight minutes.

Full-back Brendan Laney put the raging controversy over his selection to one side with a superb start, although his lack of fitness told in the final stages.

With 13 minutes remaining, Scotland trailed by just nine points - and even that was flattering to the All Blacks.

Chris Paterson failed with a simple penalty which would have brought his team back into the game.

But Andrew Mehrtens maintained an almost flawless goalkicking performance, before Tana Umaga and Mark Robinson crossed within six minutes at the end.

Scotland's desperation was summed up deep into injury-time when Jon Steel raced back 70 metres to prevent Richie McCaw sliding over only to see the ball spill loose to Umaga, who flipped a pass to Jonah Lomu to stride in unopposed.

Coach Ian McGeechan will be rightly proud of his team's efforts, although the cold fact remains that Scotland are no nearer beating the world's most glamorous side than they have been since their very first meeting in 1905.