🔗 Share this article

"Victory was there. We know the win was within reach."

Manager Gregor Townsend expressed pride in the Scottish performance versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a 25-17 loss at Murrayfield.

The hosts trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to fight back and tie the score on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the effort that went into that second half performance was pure determination," Townsend remarked.

"We needed to kick on when it got to seventeen all and there were a couple of key instances that swung New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second half, we demonstrated who we are today and we probably revealed who we are by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those crucial points when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that performance indicate we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing contest.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan scored for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you knock on the door," said Townsend, who has now been defeated in multiple home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I'd love to be playing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we need to apply what we have gained.

"This is the first time this squad has played together since the Six Nations. To get that cohesion straight away is difficult and to see it develop during the game is encouraging.

"However it's so disheartening with that performance that we didn't get a win.

"It's the closest we've come to victory, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, pressure, ability. We've not done that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the experience.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a crucial game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish leader Sione Tuipulotu described the loss as "bittersweet" and emphasized the significance of a victory against Argentina, having opened the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and all to play for.

"We have to recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."