All Blacks win in Scotland to complete grand slam

New Zealand completed a grand slam against the home nations yesterday with a 29-10 win over Scotland at Murrayfield.

Tana Umaga's All Blacks are only the second New Zealand side to defeat England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland at home.

Winger Rico Gear scored two tries, one during the first half which ended with New Zealand 22-3 ahead and seemingly headed for a huge score.

However, a courageous Scotland side prevented the All Blacks from scoring another point until six minutes before the end after dominating possession in the second period.

Right at the death Simon Webster dived over to earn the home side some consolation. Flyhalf Nick Evans scored a try for the All Blacks and kicked a penalty and two conversions.

The victory concluded a triumphant year for the All Blacks who beat the British and Irish Lions 3-0 before winning the Tri-nations competition. This month their country was also awarded the right to host the 2011 World Cup.

New Zealand opened their November tour with a 41-3 win over Wales then beat Ireland 45-7 with a completely changed starting line-up. The other Saturday they defeated England 23-19 at Twickenham.

Yesterday the world champions completed their November internationals with a 40-3 victory over Samoa.

A try in each half by winger Tom Voyce - his first for England - and one each for Charlie Hodgson, Harry Ellis and, on his debut, Tom Varndell were fair reward for England's power.

England had struggled to take command, leading 16-3 at the break. But they took charge after the break, playing almost the entire second period in the Samoan half.

The game ended in a flurry of punches that earned red cards for Samoan winger Alesana Tuilagi and England flanker Lewis Moody - team-mates at Leicester.

Italy scored two tries in a strong second-half performance to beat Fiji 23-8 in Monza. Aggressive Italian play was rewarded when hooker Fabio Ongaro scored a pushover try. Mirco Bergamasco grabbed a second to extend their lead after Fijian Norman Ligairi had gone over the line for the visitors.

Flyhalf Ramiro Pez continued his excellent form, converting both tries and adding three penalties to keep Fiji under pressure throughout the match.

Other results: Ireland vs Romania 43-12; Wales vs Australia 24-22.