Scotland need to improve 'dramatically' - Robinson Scotland's Andy Robinson allayed fears over an injury to Max Evans and said his side had to improve after their record 49-3 defeat by New Zealand. Centre Evans, whose brother Thom was forced to retire through injury, was stretchered off in the dying seconds. "He's walking around now, which we're delighted to know," said the coach, who revealed it was a shoulder injury. "It was a dose of reality for us and a step backwards. We will have to improve for next week against South Africa." Scotland had been steadily improving under Robinson, but the Englishman was left reeling by the record hammering at Murrayfield.  | I think we should also give the Scots a pat on the back, they're pretty rusty, they haven't played since June New Zealand head coach Graham Henry |
"We need to have a hard look at ourselves, me included," Robinson told BBC Sport. The All Blacks scored seven tries through Hosea Gear (two), Mils Muliaina (two), Dan Carter, Conrad Smith and Andy Ellis, with fly-half Carter adding five conversions and his replacement Stephen Donald two. Dan Parks' third-minute penalty was the only thing Scotland had to show for their attacking enterprise, with the All Blacks defence proving impenetrable. "We let the nation down today and it's about how we come back from that," Robinson said.  Evans was put in a neck brace at the end of the match |
"I thought New Zealand were outstanding in the way they played the game of rugby and we were unable to match that. "It was a dose of reality about what international rugby is about. They expose you and they're great runners. "The support play of their outside backs is tremendous." Captain Mike Blair and Evans went off injured, but their injuries were not as bad as first feared. Blair went off late in the first half with a head injury and the game ended prematurely with Evans taken off on a stretcher after a blow to his shoulder, reviving memories of the career-ending neck break suffered by his brother, Thom, against Wales in the Six Nations in February. "Mike had a head knock and was pretty blurred," said a relieved Robinson. "Max got a stinger." All Blacks head coach Graham Henry paid tribute to Scotland in an expansive game and was thrilled with his side's defence. "I think we should also give the Scots a pat on the back, they're pretty rusty, they haven't played since June," said Henry. "They played some good attacking football at times and put us under pressure. I think we defended very well - it's the best its been for quite some time."
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