🔗 Share this article

"Victory was there. We are aware victory was there."

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

The hosts were behind 17-0 at the interval, only to storm back and draw level on the hour.

However, the All Blacks, who had three players placed in the sin bin, scored late through Damian McKenzie to deny Scotland the chance of a first victory in this fixture.

"I feel let down primarily, because the hard work that went into that latter period showing was pure determination," Townsend stated.

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

"Outstanding second half, we demonstrated our true selves today and we probably showed our identity by not getting the win as well.

"Progress is evident in this team and we have to win those big moments when the match is there for us.

"Elements of that game indicate we are competitive with the best teams in the world. We just need to make that next step."

Key Moments of the Game

• Scores 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 first half when Cameron Roigard and Will Jordan notched points for the visitors.

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

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

"It marks the initial occasion this team has been united since the tournament. To get that cohesion straight away is challenging 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 represents the nearest we've come to winning, I believe. We dominated the second half, territory, pressure, skill. We've not achieved that against New Zealand in our past and we are better for the encounter.

"Our journey continues today. We have a very big game coming up and more important games to come in the Six Nations."

Captain's Reaction

Scotland leader Sione Tuipulotu described the defeat as "mixed feelings" and stressed the significance of a win against Argentina, having started the autumn series with a record score against the United States.

"I instructed the boys we needed a reaction at half time," he said. "Either we lie down or decide to fight back.

"We had nothing to lose and everything to gain.

"It is essential we recover for next week because Argentina will not make it simpler."