Stafford McDowall led Scotland to their first ever victory over the Maori All Blacks. The centre from Dundrennan captained Gregor Townsend’s team for the opening game of their Skyscanner Pacific Tour. And they saw off a late rally to record a 26-29 victory at the Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei. McDowall, who plays his club rugby for Glasgow Warriors, had previously captained Scotland against Fiji last year. He was also co-captain when they defeated Canada last summer. He has previously picked up 13 caps for the senior side, although Saturday’s encounter was classed as a non-cap international. Scotland’s summer tour continues against Fiji in Suva on Saturday before the final match against Samoa in Auckland on July 18. McDowall, who came through the ranks at Stewartry RFC, said: “These are three tough matches we’re out here playing against three big physical teams and boys will know if they can lay a marker down here then it will go a long way with the coaches. Click here for more news and sport from Dumfries and Galloway. “I think it’s massive being able to learn from guys who’ve been in the environment for a long time and guys who’ve experienced test-match rugby. “Hopefully it benefits these guys massively being around guys with a bit more test-match experience and they can put that on the pitch.”