RUGBY'S new laws may have spawned a new era of exciting back play but, as the All Blacks showed during Saturday's second Test victory over Scotland, powerful scrummaging remains a vitally important part of the game.

Ia miserably wet conditions at Eden Park, New Zealand - with little option but play a tight game - out scrummaged the Scots to the extent that four of the New Zealand scores resulted directly from this area.

A penalty try early in the game and then touchdowns by number eight Zinzan Brooke and flankers Josh Kronfeld and Michael Jones, all from scrums close to the Scotland line, were testament to the power of the New Zealand forwards.

Scotland had the upper hand at the line out and in the loose play they looked the more hungry. But although they won a big share of possession, they could score only two tries, the first by full back Rowen Shepherd from his own kick ahead, and the second by number eight Eric Peters from a tap penalty move.

Scotland lost inside centre Ian Jardine early in the game. Tony Stanger moved to centre and Derek Stark was brought on from the bench to the right wing.

Scotland got close to scoring on several occasions, the best chance falling to Gregor Townsend, who appeared to get his fingertips to the ball after following up his own kick ahead. The Scotland stand off also spilled a pass late in the game, allowing Kronfeld to pounce for his second try.