'Not enough' - Scotland still short of 'top team' status as latest All Blacks loss exposes consistency problem

Scotland’s long wait for a first ever win over New Zealand goes on following their 43-21 defeat at Murrayfield last weekend.

The result means the Scots record against the All Blacks now stands at 34 games without recording a victory, dating back to their first Test in 1905. It was also the latest fixture against one of world rugby’s top nations that has frustratingly passed Gregor Townsend's side by without them being able to make a statement that many supporters are desperate for.

They are also on a 12 game losing streak against Six Nations rivals Ireland, which dates back to the start of current head coach’s tenure, while the national team’s last win over South Africa came way back in 2010. There have been some impressive results in recent seasons, 2023’s win over England at Twickenham and their stunning 50-40 conquering of France earlier this year being particular stand outs.

IT was another frustrating afternoon at Murrayfield for Scotland and Huw Jones as they were well beaten by the All Blacks (Pic: SNS) | SNS Group

“We've probably not proved it consistently enough yet” - Scotland still short of ‘top team’ status says centre Huw Jones

However, those kinds of results have been too few and far between and it’s a frustration that weighs not just on supporters, but on the players as well. Huw Jones, who has been a regular in the side for the best part of a decade and started Saturday’s defeat, explained their dissatisfaction at not being able to perform consistently against the sides ranked highest in the world.

“We expect a lot of ourselves,” the Toulon centre said. “The coaching staff expect a lot of us. We know that we have it in us to be a top team but ultimately we've probably not proved it consistently enough yet.

“Over the past few years, we've had a couple of big wins here and there, but it's about consistency. In these big games, we have a couple of big moments, but that's not enough. We have to be on it for 80 minutes.

“Another message that came through last week was about being tougher than them for longer. Going deep into sets where we knew they'd hold on to the ball and we'd have to hold on to the ball as well. In the respect of our attack, I think that was one of those things that we probably didn't manage today. It's something we wanted to hang our hat on, but we didn't manage to do that.

“We've got to look at ourselves there because we're the ones out on the pitch. It's those key moments where a lack of concentration [costs you] or maybe it's not even that.

“If you're just a yard the wrong side of a breakdown or the pass is slightly off, these are huge moments where you just have to be incredibly accurate. I think the top teams just prove it time and time again why they're the top teams. If you think of New Zealand and South Africa, they get those moments right more often than not.

“Whereas when we do, we look brilliant and everyone says, ‘oh, Scotland play fantastic rugby’. But when we don't, you end up with results like this one.”

The 32-year-old British & Irish Lion made the decision in the summer to leave Glasgow Warriors for a move to France’s Top 14. He added that he’s enjoying life in Toulon and hopes a run of good form there will help him keep his place in the Scotland starting XV.

He said: “I'm in a really good place physically and mentally. It's been an absolute joy to come back into the squad here too.

“I missed it over the summer. It was brilliant to be back in. I've loved the last few weeks. I was so chuffed to be given an opportunity to play again this week.

“I don't think I've ever come into a squad expecting to play. You know that the guys in your position are playing really well. Our squad now, we've built this depth where it is really competitive.

“You know you have to be on it in training. You have to be turning up, ready to go, in the best shape you can be in. That's what I felt I managed to do. I was just grateful for the opportunity to play.

“I think moving clubs and experiencing different leagues, different cultures, really adds a lot of experience to anyone's game. I'd say it certainly helps me. Playing with different guys, playing against different oppositions, it's eye-opening at times. Those games are really physical. They can change so quickly as well.

“They can be slow and physical. They can be absolutely rapid. You have to be able to adjust and adapt, which I think has been a really good challenge.”

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