🔗 Share this article

"The win could have been ours. We know victory was within reach."

Head coach Gregor Townsend expressed satisfaction in Scotland's performance against New Zealand but was disappointed by a seventeen to twenty-five defeat at their home ground.

Scotland trailed seventeen to nil at the half, only to storm back and tie the score on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players sent to the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to prevent Scotland the opportunity of a historic win in this match-up.

"I feel let down first of all, because the hard work that went into that latter period performance was all character," Townsend stated.

"It was crucial to kick on when it got to 17-17 and there were a few big moments that went New Zealand's way.

"Exceptional second period, we demonstrated our true selves 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.

"Aspects of that game show we are competitive with the top sides in the world. We just need to make that following advance."

Key Moments of the Game

• Tries from Ewan Ashman and Kyle Steyn hauled Scotland back into an absorbing battle.
• 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 visitors.

"Teams get fatigued when you apply pressure," said Townsend, who has now lost three home Tests against the All Blacks as manager - all by single digit margins.

"I would like to be facing New Zealand again next week. We meet Argentina and we must apply what we have learned.

"It marks the first time this squad has been united since the Six Nations. To get that unity straight away is difficult and to see it grow during the game is positive.

"However it's so disheartening with that effort that we failed to achieve a win.

"It represents the nearest we've been to winning, I think. We dominated the second half, field position, intensity, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"The team's path doesn't stop today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the championship."

Captain's Response

Scottish captain Sione Tuipulotu labeled the defeat as "bittersweet" and emphasized the importance of a victory against Argentina, having started the fall matches with a record score against the United States.

"I told the boys we required a response at the break," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to go for it.

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

"It is essential we recover for the upcoming match because Argentina aren't going to make it simpler."