Several Heineken Champions Cup players delivered commendable performances as Scotland came close to an historic win over New Zealand in the Autumn Nations Series on Sunday, eventually going down 31-23 at BT Murrayfield.

Edinburgh Rugby wing Darcy Graham, who has nine tries in 19 games in EPCR competitions heading into this season’s Heineken Champions Cup, finished superbly after an interception as Scotland battled back from 14-0 down.

Exeter Chiefs full-back Stuart Hogg created the hosts’ first score after they conceded twice inside eight minutes, his clever chip and chase ultimately leading to a penalty try.

Scotland were level on 14 minutes as Racing 92’s Finn Russell converted Graham’s effort and a penalty from the returning fly-half saw them going into the break with their noses in front at 17-14.

Russell added two more penalties in the first quarter of an hour of the second half as Scotland looked destined to record their first win over the All Blacks in 117 years, but the visitors capitalised on a late sin bin to snatch victory.