🔗 Share this article

"Victory was there. We are aware the win was there."

Head coach Gregor Townsend voiced satisfaction in the Scottish display versus New Zealand but felt disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at Murrayfield.

Scotland trailed 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

Nonetheless, the All Blacks, who had multiple members sent to the penalty box, struck late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the opportunity of a first victory in this match-up.

"I feel let down primarily, because the effort that went into that second half performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to push forward when it got to 17-17 and there were a couple of key instances that went New Zealand's way.

"Outstanding second period, we showed our true selves today and we likely revealed our identity by failing to secure the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we must win those big moments when the game is there for us.

"Aspects of that performance indicate we are up there with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Crucial Events of the Game

• Scores from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn brought Scotland back into an gripping battle.
• Darcy Graham and Rory Hutchinson had been held up over the line in the opening period when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the opponents.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," 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 facing New Zealand again soon. We play Argentina and we must put in what we have gained.

"This is the initial occasion this team has played together since the Six Nations. To get that unity immediately is difficult and to see it develop during the game is positive.

"But it's so frustrating with that performance that we failed to achieve a win.

"It's the closest we've come to winning, I think. We controlled the second half, territory, intensity, skill. We've not done that against New Zealand in our history and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey doesn't stop today. We have a very big game next week and more important games to come in the championship."

Skipper's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the loss as "bittersweet" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a historic result against the United States.

"I told the boys we needed a reaction at the break," he said. "We could surrender or choose to go for it.

"There was nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"We have to bounce back for next week because Argentina aren't going to make it any easier."