Scotland opened their Pacific Tour with a landmark 29-26 win over the Māori All Blacks in Whangārei, securing the national side’s first victory against the composite New Zealand outfit and ending a 25-year wait for a rematch between the teams. Winger Harry Paterson, scrum-half George Horne (twice) and wing Arron Reed supplied Scotland’s four tries. Fly-half Adam Hastings added three conversions and an early penalty to establish a 29-19 lead midway through the second half. The Māori All Blacks replied with tries from lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, hooker Kurt Eklund and centre Gideon Wrampling, narrowing the margin to three points with 13 minutes left. A prolonged assault that stretched into the 86th minute was repelled when Scotland forced a turnover inside their own 5-metre line, allowing replacement Jamie Dobie to kick the ball dead and seal the result. Gregor Townsend’s side now travels to Fiji buoyed by the hard-fought win, which also marks a promising start to their mid-year international schedule.