Within the build-up to this Nations Championship conflict with New Zealand, Scotland captain Sione Tuipulotu had spoken about ‘chasing greatness’.
It was an opportunity to put down a marker and eventually declare a first-ever victory over the All Blacks after so many close to misses lately.
But, in direction of the tip of a dreadful second half during which Scotland failed to attain a single level, the one factor they have been chasing was shadows.
Scotland have been solely three factors behind at half-time and, regardless of being outplayed and outmuscled for giant spells, that they had in some way managed to remain within the combat.
However the second half was a complete non-event for Gregor Townsend’s facet. They have been miles off it because the All Blacks dominated each space.
There isn’t a sense in speaking about referee Andrew Brace. Sure, a few of his choices have been questionable at finest.
Finn Russell had a quiet sport as Scotland have been mesmerised by the All Blacks
He was very lenient in direction of the All Blacks at occasions by way of how they have been straying offside and likewise round infringements on the breakdown.
However Scotland didn’t lose this sport due to the referee. They misplaced it as a result of they essentially aren’t ok towards the highest sides.
They aren’t constant sufficient they usually can’t apply themselves correctly for a full 80 minutes. This can be a group who can’t be trusted.
You by no means know what you will get from them. They’ll beat France and play some thrilling rugby, however they’ll additionally depart the distinct impression of a group who’ve reached their ceiling beneath Townsend.
Within the larger image, that victory over France didn’t truly change something. We all know Scotland can beat France. They’ve performed it on a number of events beneath Townsend.
However the hole to the opposite elite groups — South Africa, New Zealand and Eire — stays as massive as ever.
Scotland’s massive likelihood to beat the All Blacks was truly final 12 months however they nonetheless did not recover from the road on that event.
This sport was completely different. The All Blacks have been merely far too good, too fast and too correct in each deed and thought.
All Black full-back Damian McKenzie is tackled Gregor Brown
The truth that Scotland’s three tries have been scored by their hooker felt emblematic of how their backline failed to fireplace any significant pictures.
Finn Russell had a quiet sport. So, too, did Tuipulotu. These are the blokes Scotland have to step up in these massive matches.
This was a sport which left the distinct impression that these are two groups heading in numerous instructions; the All Blacks reborn and rejuvenated beneath Dave Rennie, Scotland flatlining beneath Townsend.
The sport towards Australia subsequent weekend now turns into must-win if Scotland are to have a fixture of any which means or relevance within the finals weekend of this Nations Championship.
Townsend will know that his finest likelihood to turn out to be the primary Scotland head coach to beat the All Blacks has certainly gone.
For so long as his group undergo these drop-offs, these brainfades inside matches, it’s tough to see how they transfer ahead or take the subsequent step.
