The three Scots who stood out against the Maori All Blacks

Despite the absence of British and Irish Lions, Finn Russell, Pierre Schoeman, Blair Kinghorn, Ben White, and Duhan van der Merwe, along with seasoned internationals Jamie Ritchie, Rory Darge, Darcy Graham, and Tom Jordan, Scotland upset the Maori All Blacks 29-26 at Toll Stadium in Whangarei.

Scotland initially built a 29-12 lead but had to withstand a fierce comeback from the Maori All Blacks, who ended with a relentless attack of 28 phases until the 86th minute. This was Scotland’s first victory in New Zealand since a 24-7 win over Hawke’s Bay in Napier on June 27, 2000. It was the first defeat for the Maori in New Zealand since a 32-10 slip against the British and Irish Lions in Rotorua in 2017.

Scotland had lost their two previous matches against the Maori All Blacks. Who were the standouts on a historic day in Northland?

Andy Onyeama-Christie (Scotland)

Mammoth defense played a crucial role in Scotland’s victory, making 69 more tackles than the M?ori. Perhaps the most stinging defender was Any Onyeama-Christie who delivered an abrasive, full-throttle display.

In 2023, Onyeama-Christie broke his arm and faced further complications following three surgeries. Upon his return in 2024, he was exceptional during Scotland’s Six Nations campaign before breaking the same arm again. After recovering from that injury, he dislocated his ankle, which caused him to miss several months.

Alec Hepburn (Scotland)

The reserve loosehead prop came onto the field in the 50th minute and topped the tackle count with 17 while holding his own in the scrum. It was a massive effort from the 32-year-old, who was born in Perth, as the momentum shifted dramatically towards the Maori. Hepburn is a classic grafter. He was the backbone of two English Premiership triumphs with Exeter, where he played 180 matches and secured 117 wins. Now with the Scarlets, Hepburn played six Tests for England in 2018, qualifying on residency grounds after moving to the country at the age of 13. He qualifies for Scotland through his father, who was born there. Hepburn debuted for Scotland in a 27-26 win against Wales in 2024 and has since played five Tests.

Ollie Smith (Scotland)

The fullback is another one to suffer a rotten injury run, absent for 21 months. Scotland scored four tries with two created by precise Smith kicks. Both wingers Harry Paterson and Harry Read profited from Smith’s ability to read space.

Although Scotland’s backs had limited possession in the second half, other notable contributors included halfback George Horne (40 Tests, 26 wins)  who scored two tries in a rousing hour.  Co-captain Stafford McDowell made 16 tackles in midfield.

Isaia Walker-Leawere (Maori All Blacks)

In his 14th appearance for the Maori All Blacks, demonstrated unwavering commitment to the cause with three lineout catches, 13 carries, and nine tackles. With a father who played for Fiji, would he consider switching allegiance for the 2027 Rugby World Cup if a spot in the All Blacks remains elusive. Walker-Leawere has won 27 of his 40 games for Hawke’s Bay and 51 of his 79 matches for the Hurricanes.

Cullen Grace was similarly active, contributing 17 carries, ten tackles, and two lineout wins. The versatile Crusaders forward started 10 out of his 13 appearances in 2025 for the Super Rugby Pacific champions.

Halfback Sam Nock scored a try in the first minute in front of his home fans and was perhaps the liveliest Maori back.